Behind the Green: There are plenty of new golf gifts to buy for Dad

With Father's Day approaching, now is the time to shun hideous ties and bad socks and get "Pops'' something he'll really enjoy the next time he tees it up. As a rule, most new golf accessories/inventions/books fall into the categories of "gizmo'' or "gadget'' or "already been done.''

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Oftentimes these revolutionary advances have little to do with actually helping the golfer. But every once in awhile something catchy comes along that really makes sense. Here are six "new ideas'' in every price range guaranteed to make Dad happy.

ClubGlider by Sun Mountain

This breakthrough travel bag from Sun Mountain came on the market in May and was an immediate hole-in-one. In fact, the ClubGlider was one of five finalists on The Golf Channel's "Fore Inventors Only'' series, and even though it didn't win, many thought it was by far and away the best product. With extendable legs and wheels that support 100 percent of the weight (22 pounds of pressure), bringing your bag with you is now as easy as bringing your suitcase, which have had these pivoting wheels for years. To check out the smooth-sailing ClubGlider travel bag, which retails for $299, visit www.sunmountain.com.

The Golf Mat by Vijay Singh

Who would know more about practicing on a right, tight surface than the all-time grinder, Vijay Singh? Unlike most golf mats, which are no more than a piece of Astroturf, The Golf Mat features Virtual Turf technology that gives it a spring-like effect as well as a feel like you're actually taking a divot. There is no shock or vibration with The Golf Mat, and it definitely keeps your backyard from looking hacked up with unsightly divots. Unlike the rest of these types of products, you can hit down and through The Golf Mat for a "realistic and pleasurable experience,'' according to Vij. At $225, The Golf Mat will deliver shot after practice shot. For information, visit www.thegolfmat.net.

Ballfinder SCOUT

Eventually it had to happen - a ball finder for lost shots. This innovative electronic device from Ballfinder SCOUT really does help locate your missing sphere if it's within 35 feet of where you are standing and three dimples are exposed. (So, yeah, sometimes it doesn't work if you're way off base.) The device speeds up play by reducing the time lost looking for expensive brand-name golf balls. Whether or not it will eventually pay for itself - the cost is $159 - is up in the air. Easy to use, just point to the area where you think the ball might be and - viola! - the location is displayed with directional lights to guide you to the exact spot. For information, visit www.Ballfinders.com.

EEZ-READ putting device

There is a reason this new putting device will make dad happy: He'll cut down dramatically on his three-putts! Selected as the best new product at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show, the EEZ-READ places a premium on putting with "precision results'' as it shows the golfer exactly how to read breaks and factor in distances. Noted instructor Butch Harmon endorses the EEZ-READ, calling it: "One of the smartest putting aids I've ever seen.'' If you need any more incentive, the EEZ-READ carries a money-back guarantee so you can't lose even if Dad ultimately can't putt. To learn more about this $14.99 product, visit www.EEZ-READ.com.

Q-Link by Clarus

OK, so most men don't wear jewelry that often - except in golf where bracelets are all the rage, so to speak. The Q-Link by Clarus is forged with a patented formula and claims to boost your resistance to stress while increasing mental and physical resilience "by regulating a person's biofield.'' And before you become skeptical, it's stylish, too! Worn by such noted devotees as Justin Rose, Charles Howell and Mark Calcavecchia (hey, old guys can be stylish, too!), the Q-Link is eye-catching and comes in two finishes - stainless steel ($129.95) and black titanium ($199.95). It boasts a dual SRT-3 wafer design and flexible sides for a perfect fit. Learn more at www.qlinkgolf.com.

"Just Hit It'' by Frank Thomas

The former USGA technical director's book is in reprint, which means that the first printing sold out in four months - always a good thing. In "Just Hit It,'' Thomas takes a comprehensive look at golf equipment, the effect of marketing on the game, and a call to return golf to its core values. Chances are it's probably too late, but Thomas' cause is noble. Practical, philosophical and historical, "Just Hit It'' is a unique blend of technical insight into products rather than the advertorial hype generally associated with them. It's fact vs. fiction. Or as instructor David Leadbetter put it: "It's a wake-up call for the game we love.'' At $22.95, you can check it out at www.franklygolf.com.