While the theme of this column has been on golf gifts the last few weeks, the Bryan family received the ultimate gift this past Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. 
Hadley James Bryan was born. She is healthy, of course beautiful, and already has an amazing presence. 
Dr Perry Bowers, a spiritual mentor and leader of Focused Living Ministries here in the Midlands, asked me two weeks ago, “what does Christmas mean to you?”
My first thought was of my childhood and the special gifts: a horse, motorcycles, guns, and golf clubs. I also thought of all the fun feelings associated with the special events of Christmas. A golf team golf tournament that I played as my children’s partner at Wild Dunes, “Ford Picard” came to mind. 
Seeing the gift of life and a newborn, especially a first grandchild, seems to immediately reset my perspective and quite frankly, the only word I can use is indescribable. 
The other thought that dominated my mind on this past Saturday as I waited in the 4th floor waiting room of Palmetto Richland Hospital is that God sent his only son to a young girl to be born exactly as Hadley was. But, possibly with an unsanitary stable with farm animals serving as “babyshushers”, not the cool electric ones they have now. 
The other thought that consumed me was the fact shepherds witnessed then announced this baby born in a manger. 
According to Bowers, the shepherds back in that day were not necessarily trend setters in society. They were not the most influential, but it turns out, they were the first missionaries. 
This is where I will transition back into golf and, hopefully, inspire you to think about what Christmas really means to you as Bowers did me.
My girlfriend surprisingly bought me a set of Wilson FG 17s for Christmas in 1983. I was stunned and caught completely off guard. 
We were both broke and I was so excited, I played 18 holes on Christmas Day in 8 degree temperatures and actually played well. 
This girlfriend was pretty special and became my wife. We are on the way to 33 years, too. 
If buying clubs for someone, do what my wife did. Make sure the club suits them. I worked at Weed Hill driving range for Jimmy Koosa back then and can’t remember exactly how he was involved, but seems he adjusted the lie angle after the purchase of the clubs to custom fit to my swing specifics. 
Club Fitting was an uncommon step back then and only the skilled players would be cognizant of this process. In this day, it’s usually done at the purchase, so it can be a “tough” surprise gift. Valerie had planned this out through my friends for quite a while and these clubs fit me for Christmas. 
The test was a solidly struck 2 iron that flew true on a long par 3. It was most memorable, but the divot revealed the clubs were bent to fit me. 
Gift certificates for rounds of golf, equipment or even lessons, are great last minute golf gifts. Here is the disclaimer - be sure of the any restrictions, limitations, or expiration dates that would accompany the purchase. Look for the details in writing on the certificate. 
The “WINTER TOUR” registration is still open and this developmental golf program features learning on the actual golf course for brand new to advanced children ages 7-18. Parents are involved and have the option of serving their players as caddies or spectator fans.
Morris Pickens has served as the Maine education advisor since 1996 and the curriculum has been updated annually. Charwood serves as the host club and 14 other clubs including Timberlake, Indian River, Hidden Valley, Fort Jackson, Columbia Country Club, Cobblestone Park, Camden Country Club, Country Club of Lexington, LinRick, Mid-Carolina, Newberry Country Club, the Spur at Northwoods, Oakhills and Ponderosa all our on the “Winter Tours” rotation.