These are some of coolest and most interesting things we saw in 2021.
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Here at GOLF.com, covering the sport is our job. But in reality we’re golf fans just like you. We’re just as likely to freak out when we stumble upon cool gadgets, clubs or courses. And since we happen to work in this space every single day, that happens a lot.
Below, we asked some of our staffers to submit the coolest thing they came across this year. Maybe it’s new, maybe it’s only new to them, but we’re guessing you might be interested in at least a few of them. Happy scrolling!
A wedge upgrade
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
After much procrastination, I finally upgraded my dull-grooved wedges and replaced them with a brand new set of Titleist Vokey SM8s. Not only did they benefit my game, but they upped my swagger, too. Custom stamps are a must on these beauties, and they’ll have you pin hunting all season long. — Zephyr Melton
A smooth stroll
This may seem crazy, but this year marked the first time I’ve ever used a push cart for a round of golf. I know, I know! I’ve lugged plenty of pull-carts over the years and schlepped my bag on my shoulder all through college, but a recent trip to Pinehurst gave me an opportunity to try a push cart. And OMG!! What an absolute joy it was! I’m embarrassed to be so late to this party. The push ride was as smooth as butter, and I loved all the nifty, convenient compartments to hold all my stuff. Even after a seven-mile trek around No. 2, my muscles felt surprisingly fresh. Now, this formerly cart-exclusive gal just wants to walk and push my clubs around forevermore. Needless to say, this Sun Mountain model is going straight to the top of my Christmas list. — Jessica Marksbury
A go-to women’s polo
My favorite item of 2021 is honestly pretty basic — a striped polo. Most guys I know — young and old alike — have a couple of these classic, cotton, wear-anywhere staples in their closet. Until now, it was very, very tough to find a no-frills female equivalent. Enter Renwick Golf, an up-and-coming female golf brand that’s set out to make your dad’s favorite shirt, but in a size and cut that fits your body. Their Short Sleeve Polo has quickly become my go-to top when heading to the course. It’s simple, it’s comfortable, it looks great and it’s what I’m gifting (and asking for more of) this season. — Emily Haas
Headcover flair
I’m always in the market for a good headcover, one of the few spots on your golf bag where you can show a little personality. Recently I stumbled upon my new favorite — this Fishman needlepoint putter headcover from Needle Golf. If this “Fishman Donut” design looks familiar, that’s because it’s one made popular by the band Phish. Needle Golf’s founders are fans of the band, too, and they donate 10 percent of all Fishman product sales to the Waterwheel Foundation, a charity run by the band. Needle Golf also offers the Fishman design on wood headcovers, belts, hats and other accessories. — Josh Berhow
A go-to hat
As someone who wears a hat during all hours of the day — who has time to brush their hair? — I have a very specific fit that’s become my go-to on and off the course. It needs to be broken in from the get-go and fit my noggin like a glove. If it doesn’t fit just right, it has zero chance of making the weekly hat rotation cut. I usually have three or four hats in the regular mix, but about six months ago I started wearing the GOLF “Relaxed” hat on a regular basis. And when I say “regular basis,” I mean it’s pretty much my only hat of choice these days. It passes the fit test and is about as simple as they come with a small, classic GOLF logo positioned front and center. Call me a company man, but I believe everyone should have this hat in their regular rotation. — Jonathan Wall
Crazy-warm layering
The golf in northern climes seems to get longer every year. Here, in my home state of New Jersey, 50- and even 60-degree days have been aplenty in November and December, and we’re still awaiting our first real snowfall. That said, there’s no reason to hit the course baring your arms like a Green Bay Packers lineman. You want to be cozy and comfortable out there. Enter heated vests. Props to my wife for recently bringing this techy piece of garb to my attention. Hers is from Ororo, and it’s tailor-made for winter golf outings: lightweight, flexible and, yes, heated — by four carbon fiber heating elements, in the upper back, around the collar and one in each pocket. The chargeable battery (on medium power) lasts for six hours, which is plenty of time to get in 18. Heck, you’ll be so comfortable out there, you might want to pull a 36’er. — Alan Bastable
Play ball
Baseball is my first love, so when baseball and golf come together that’s as good as it gets. Earlier this year I came across a hoodie from Trap Golf that I needed to have. It’s a well-done design of a baseball nestled up perfectly on a golf tee. If baseball isn’t your thing, they also make one with a basketball and football. It’s available as a long sleeve T-shirt, too. — Tim Reilly
Essential socks
Earlier this year, coworkers Emily Haas and Zephyr Melton joined me in an act of utter buffoonery. In the July heat, the three of us walked all 90 holes at Bethpage State Park … in 36 hours. It was a harrowing stretch, yes, but one that reinforced a key lesson: if you’d like to enjoy an athletic endeavor, start with your socks. As such, Santa is bringing socks to the Colgan family this holiday. And not just any socks — he’s bringing them Darn Tough socks. The Vermont-based company specializes in high-quality, long-lasting products for those of us who enjoy active lifestyles (or acts of buffoonery). And a bonus? For those of us with cold-weather offseasons, Darn Tough’s ski socks may be the very best on the market. — James Colgan
Backyard basics
My 13-year-old nephew loves his golf, and he loves his cornhole, so I’m thinking he’ll love this golf and cornhole game I got him for Christmas. When I first saw the Chippo set in our GOLF.com Pro Shop, I immediately thought the kid could work on his short game, the kid could have fun doing it, and the kid could wheel it out when Uncle Nick comes to visit. Win, win, win. Old St. Nick is wrapping it as we speak. (If the kid’s reading this ahead of time, sorry, Mason, but I have to make a deadline here.) — Nick Piastowski
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