Tis that time of year when the thoughts of golfers, young and old, turn to new clubs, wedges, hybrids, dozens of personalized golf balls, golf bags, golf books and golf videos as well as sundry other golf equipment and training tools. Visions of pars and eagles dance in our heads as we daydream about playing some exotic, faraway courses as part of a Christmas vacation package. Some may be thinking about a new golf car or perhaps such personal accouterments as rain suits or golf shoes. Most of these golfers, I suspect, are more interested in finding under their Christmas tree a new set of forgiving irons and drivers that guarantee — or at least strongly promise — greater distance and improved accuracy. May I offer a few suggestions to those who would give such golf items? — You shouldn’t rush out to buy a new set of irons or a driver without getting some input from the individual who will receive the gift. He or she may feel compelled to use the equipment even though that club or clubs may not be the brand they have been considering. Ask first. Also, even if you know that your wife or husband or son or daughter wants Titleist, Cleveland, Taylormade, Callaway or Ping clubs, there are many variables in selecting the right set. For instance, your recipient may need longer or shorter clubs than standard. A player also may prefer cord grips to rubber or synthetic leather and want them in bigger or smaller sizes. If that weren’t enough, your favorite player may want graphite, lightweight steel or standard steel shafts and may require them to be in seniors, regular, stiff or x-stiff flexes. I think you get the idea. — I know players who want all of their clubs to match or at least come from the same manufacturer. So if you buy a Taylormade driver, you might want to consider Taylormade irons and sand wedge. On the other hand, there are players who really don’t care that much about matching clubs, but want to pick clubs out by how they feel in their hands. These players might be happy with a set consisting of Ping long irons, Callaway middle irons and Titleist short irons. — If you are shopping on a tight budget, you might want to consider used clubs. New doesn’t always translate into better playability. One player of my acquaintance changes clubs every year, sometimes even more often. —As for golfing vacations, there are a number of places ranging from expensive to a little less expensive. Remember that the expense doesn’t end with cost of the round of golf and hotel accommodations. If you’ve chosen an exotic spot and found something within your price range, you still have to get there and back by boat, plane or car. —Golf clothing makes great gifts. Rain suits, as mentioned earlier, have great utility. But golf shirts and sweaters emblazoned with the name of your course or a particular manufacturer are always welcome. So, too, are shoes, although let the recipient try them on before buying. —Seldom considered as a gift, I fear, are golf lessons from a professional. They are not only are available, but can pay dividends of better play by the next golf season. My wife knows what I would like to find under the tree on Christmas morning. If I get it, I’ll be extremely happy. If not, well, I’ll still be happy and there’s always next year. Remember the spirit For those who haven’t gotten into the holiday mood yet, I need to remind you that Christmas is only two weeks away. Try to keep in mind that this holiday isn’t all about shopping and buying, but about giving and receiving: Love, friendship and caring. It costs nothing to smile and say “Merry Christmas” and it might brighten someone’s day. That could be infectious. Consider visiting shut-ins and signing a carol or two with them. After all, Christmas comes only once a year, but its spirit will last an eternity.