7 Essential Christmas Gifts from My Survival Guide to Life (and Golf)

If you want to know how much nonsense There you have it – if you want to stare into the dizzying chasm of your own materialism – I have the perfect solution.

Moved across the country.

I admit, when I decided to move to Park City, Utah, I was very happy with my financial situation. I’ve lived in New York City for nearly five years, and the spatial realities of this lifestyle have left me with a small closet and bare cupboards.

I rarely buy new clothes. I frequently empty out drawers and donate unused items. Aside from underwear and socks, the only worldly possessions I acquired in large quantities were vintage new yorker. I was still alive tiltbaby.

But one day I realized I had to fit most of my earthly belongings into the half-trunk of a 2011 Toyota Highlander…and my life changed.

I organized my belongings. Then I consolidated. Then came the third time. There is a fourth one. Finally, on the fifth cut, I got a decent amount. It’s disconcerting to see how many previously necessary things have been forgotten (I still fondly recall my immersion blender when faced with thick soups), but it’s oddly exciting to see the things that made it possible exist.

Can these things generally be included in the list of items to carry with you? These It’s my “ride or die” possession that survived the apocalypse. I can confidently say that in the event of a zombie apocalypse, items will carry over.

they are great any one Because they did something important that cannot be replicated, or because they did so much I can’t justify leaving them behind. Listed below are these items that combine versatility and essence.

1. Normatec boots

Last year I first wrote about the Normatec leg compression boots and was surprised to see how many golf fans had never heard of the product. These space-age, LeBron-approved recovery products are my go-to after a long day on the court or a long workout in the gym. The pants are essentially a large balloon that is trained to inflate and deflate in specific patterns to promote blood flow and speed recovery. The secret sauce is something called dynamic compression technologywhich promotes blood circulation, flushes metabolic waste and mimics the natural muscle “pump.”

I recommend this product first because it was the one I had the most pain with, including the packaging process. At the time, it felt bad to give up trunk space in the name of recovery. But since arriving west, any initial headache has proven to be worth it. These pants are part of my weekly routine, and even though we’re now well into the offseason, they’re also a great way to stay fresh between 36-hole days or multi-round weekends.

2.Rhone professional commuting pants

If you’ve seen my face in GOLF.com videos over the past two years, you have Probabilityy Saw the Rhone Commuter polo in action. And if you’ve ever seen me in person, you’ve probably seen me wearing these Commuter Pro pants.

Most of Rhone’s athleisure gear is my favorite intersection of high quality, low profile, and not cookie-cutter, but these pants are over the top. They’re heavy enough to wear in the cold, flexible enough to wear in the heat, tasteful enough to wear over a nice meal, and sporty enough to wear on the court. If you’re in need of an all-around, versatile pair of pants, look no further.

RHONE professional commuting trousers

Made from a modified version of our best-selling fabric, these pants have a structured and flexible feel, with an adjustable button waistband and permanently pressed pleats for a sharp, sophisticated look.

3. Stio hometown down jacket

Ten years ago, I made the worst decision of my life and chose to move to Syracuse for four winters. For the uninitiated, Syracuse is one of the snow capitals of the world. Winter lasts from October to May and is filled with endless cold and perpetual gray.

I got into golf largely because of the frostbite I experienced while at Coos, and even though my career has taken me to greener (and warmer) pastures, I’ve found that I haven’t quite escaped the cold of my youth. I’m so terrified of winter, and I hate dressing up to play golf in cold weather, that I almost stop playing once the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Earlier this year, as winter set in, I received a jacket that changed my worldview: the Stio Hometown Down Jacket. Stio says the Hometown Down is a “midweight jacket,” but I can attest that I’ve successfully worn it in temperatures well below freezing. It doesn’t take long to see why it’s so popular in the cold-weather community: It’s thick, but not overly sized, and flexible enough for a variety of activities. If you plan on attending sporting events in cold weather, or just plan on spending the winter on the golf course until the snow comes, I can confidently say that the Stio is your best choice.

Stio hometown down jacket

The Stio Hometown Jacket is a middleweight option with heavyweight versatility. Filled with responsibly sourced down and recycled fabrics, it’s an all-around winner.

4. Important additions

Let’s be honest: I’m not really a supplementer. It took me years to get on the altar of protein powder, and many more to reach my latest obsession with creatine.

Part of the reason I’m tepid is that I resent Feel Like gym bro. My brother (who is studying to be a doctor) often reminds me that eating in moderation is enough for the vast majority of people. Adding powder and a chunky water bottle seemed like a good way to lose the little bit of dignity I still clung to on the surface.

But then I discovered what was important. Their branding is subtle (sensing a theme here?), their recipes are minimalist, and their standards are top-notch. I still don’t carry around a heavy water bottle or string tank top, but their products make me feel strong and energized without feeling nauseous.

Vital Plant Protein Powder

Momentous 100% plant-based protein is made for high-performance people who need optimal nutrition. Contains 20 grams of clean, plant-based protein per serving using pea + rice protein sourced exclusively from the United States and Canada to provide a complete amino acid profile to boost recovery and optimize performance.

5. Arc’teryx Proton Jacket

A funny thing happens when you dive deeper into the world of golf: you’ll find that some of the best golf apparel brands aren’t necessarily marketed specifically for golf. Like Arc’Teryx, its hiking and outdoor gear is some of the best all-weather golf gear on the market.

Now, I’m not sure I would recommend deliberately Walking into a rainstorm wearing the Proton hoodie, I’m also not sure it’s suitable as a single-layer solution in 35 degree weather – but if either happens while you’re wearing it, I’ll be more than happy for you to survive in a hoodie. That’s the essence of the Proton jacket: its value comes from its ability to adapt to every potential Scottish weather pattern… which means saving some space in your carry-on (or suitcase) during the packing process.

Arc’Teryx Proton Jacket

Made for climbers, including golf course climbers, the Proton Hoodie is the breathable insulation of choice for high-intensity tasks. 80gsm Coreloft™ Compact insulation works with breathable fabric and lining to regulate temperature and vapor build-up. The Fortius Air 20 nylon shell is lightweight and durable, and the articulated pattern eliminates restrictions.

6. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker

I replace portable speakers less often than America replaces its presidents, so when the time finally came for summer to buy new speakers, I took the task seriously.

I ended up buying a Bose SoundLink Flex (for about $100 on holiday sale), and boy am I glad I did. This thing is basically indestructible (waterproof, dustproof), its battery lasts for 12 hours at a time, and the sound quality is good enough for four people to play on both sides of the fairway in the summer (I guess you probably don’t want to play at that volume).

Bose SoundLink portable speakers

Meet the updated SoundLink Flex speakers. Surprisingly big and bold sound, ultra-portable size – perfect for sharing music and good times anywhere on the planet. It’s also durable so you can do whatever you want.

7. Blue Tees Portable Speaker

I don’t own this speaker and don’t take it with me on the road, but it deserves to be on this list for one simple reason: I witnessed a friend willing to drive three hours across rural Michigan to pick this speaker up from a ballpark where he accidentally left it. If that’s not a strong endorsement of the product, I don’t know what is.