A golfer is a very easy person to buy a gift for as there are a huge array of gadgets and equipment available.

If your budget doesn't run to the obvious new clubs or bag, then how about something a little different? These are some of my favourites.

A putting machine. If you want to keep your golfer at home a bit more or if he or she just needs some practice at putting, this is the gift you'll want to buy. This neat little machine acts as a hole and if you're accurate enough to get your ball in the hole, it sends it back for you to putt again. A more complex version uses mirrors to show you how to improve your stroke.

How about a marker for where the ball ended up - made of silver of course - or maybe you prefer copper or brass. These markers can be personalised with someone's initials and come with a carrying case. They can even come as a set of four, engraved with the initials of each of your favourite foursome.

Is the golfer in your life always losing their balls or mixing them up with their playing companions'? Why not buy them something to identify their own balls. This can be as simple as a special marker pen which can be bought very cheaply indeed or for just a little more money a special monogramming machine.

For the lover of electronic gadgets, a computerised scoreboard would be just the thing. These lightweight devices with an LCD display can be clipped to the golfer's belt or pocket and save carrying the traditional scorecard and pen.

If your local golf course is a bit wet and muddy then a cordless cleaner with different cleaning and polishing heads might be appropriate as a gift.

If your golfer is also a drinker, then how about a hip flask or a bottle opener with a golf ball as the handle or a wine cooler in the shape of a golf bag.

Of course there are lots of everyday items such as mugs, glasses and towels with golfing pictures and mottos on them, but I prefer the novelty items. Either way, there's no shortage of golf gifts to choose from.