9 Creative Golf Themed Christmas Trees To DIY Or Buy

Are you tired of the same old red and green decorations every single holiday season? Finding Christmas decor that truly feels personal, especially for a unique passion like golf, can feel like searching for a lost ball in the rough. A golf-themed Christmas tree is a creative and festive way to celebrate the holidays while showcasing your love for the sport, turning a standard tradition into a statement piece that’s all your own. But how do you go from a simple idea to a beautifully executed, stylish tree?

It’s a common challenge for golf enthusiasts. You want to display your hobby, but the options often seem limited to generic or novelty items that don’t quite fit a cohesive holiday look. You might wonder how to make your own DIY golf ornaments that look polished, or where to find high-quality decorations like a glass golf bag or a whimsical Santa driving a golf cart. The goal is to create something that’s both festive and sophisticated, a true tribute to the game without sacrificing style.

A golf themed Christmas tree: is a festive decoration that showcases a love for the sport using ornaments shaped like golf balls, clubs, and carts, often incorporating green garlands and flag toppers to mimic a golf course. This guide is your caddy for the holiday season. We will walk you through 9 distinct and creative ideas, from simple DIY projects you can start today to curated lists of the best decor to buy. You’ll discover how to create a tree that perfectly captures your passion, whether your style is rustic, modern, or whimsically fun.

Struggling to Find Christmas Decor That Shows Off Your Love for Golf?

Finding unique holiday decor that reflects a personal passion like golf can often feel like a frustrating search. Many store-bought themes are generic, and it’s difficult to find decorations that are both thematic and stylish. For golf lovers, this means sifting through countless options to find those few special pieces that celebrate the sport in a tasteful way. This guide was created to solve that exact problem, offering curated inspiration for every type of decorator.

But before we tee off on the specific ideas, it’s helpful to understand why a niche theme can make your holiday so much more special. Moving beyond traditional decor opens up a world of creativity.

Understanding the Appeal of a Niche Christmas Theme

Choosing a niche theme for your Christmas tree, like golf, transforms your holiday decor from generic to deeply personal and memorable. It’s a powerful way to infuse your personality into one of the most iconic symbols of the season, creating an experience that resonates with you and your family. Based on my experience in holiday decorating, a specialized theme offers several distinct advantages.

Here’s why embracing a theme like golf is a growing trend for 2025:

• It’s a Conversation Starter: A unique tree immediately catches the eye and gives guests a fun topic to talk about, sharing stories and connecting over a shared interest.
• It Allows for True Personalization: You can incorporate personal achievements, favorite courses, or inside jokes related to the game, making the tree a true reflection of your life.
• It Simplifies Gift-Giving: A themed tree provides a perfect backdrop for golf-related gifts and makes it easy for friends and family to find ornaments and decor that you’ll genuinely love.
• It Creates a Cohesive, Designer Look: A strong theme ensures all your decorations work together, resulting in a polished and intentional design that looks professionally styled.

9 Creative Golf Themed Christmas Trees To DIY Or Buy

Now that you see the benefits of a focused theme, let’s explore the fun part. Here are nine distinct concepts for bringing your golf-themed Christmas tree to life. Each idea is designed to be achievable, whether you’re a dedicated crafter who loves DIY projects or you’d prefer to curate a collection of beautiful, purchased ornaments. We’ll cover the materials you need and the simple steps to get it done.

1. The “Golf Ball Galore” Tree (DIY Focus)

Pin this classic golf-themed tree idea!

This approach creates a stunning and authentic look by using actual golf balls and tees as the primary decorative elements. It’s a fantastic DIY project that is both budget-friendly and visually impactful, celebrating the most fundamental equipment of the game. The crisp white of the golf balls provides a beautiful contrast against the deep green branches.

• Materials Needed:
  • Cleaned, used golf balls or new practice golf balls.
  • Clear plastic or glass fillable ornaments.
  • Miniature, colorful golf tees.
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks.
  • Ornament hooks or decorative ribbon.
  • Spray paint (optional: metallic gold, silver, or red).
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Create Hanging Golf Balls: Hot glue a loop of ribbon or an ornament hook cap directly onto real golf balls to create simple, authentic ornaments. For extra flair, spray paint some balls in festive metallic colors.
  2. Fill Clear Ornaments: Carefully open the clear fillable ornaments and fill them with colorful miniature golf tees. You can also add a single mini golf ball inside for a fun surprise.
  3. Arrange on Tree: Hang your DIY golf ball and tee-filled ornaments throughout the tree. Intersperse them with simple white or metallic baubles to complete the look.

Here’s a pro-level tip most guides overlook: Use a drill with a very small bit to create a hole in the golf balls for a more secure way to thread ribbon, rather than relying solely on glue. Always use proper safety gear when drilling.

2. The “Golfer’s Gear” Tree (Buy Focus)

Find the perfect gift for a golfer with these ornaments!

This theme focuses on curating a collection of high-quality, detailed ornaments that represent iconic golf equipment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and want to build a collection of keepsake ornaments they can enjoy for years to come. The key is to find realistic miniatures that celebrate the classic aesthetic of the sport.

• Materials Needed:
  • A collection of high-quality golf gear ornaments.
  • A well-lit Christmas tree.
  • Sturdy ornament hooks.
  • Plaid or argyle-patterned ribbon for garland.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Source the Ornaments: Search online for specialty ornaments. Key items to look for include miniature golf bags, golf shoes, golf gloves, and individual clubs. Brands like Old World Christmas are known for detailed glass ornaments made from materials like metal and ceramic.
  2. Create a Cohesive Look: Arrange the gear-themed ornaments at prominent spots on the tree where their detail can be appreciated.
  3. Add Thematic Garland: Weave a wide, plaid or argyle-patterned ribbon through the branches to mimic the classic patterns found in golf apparel and create a cohesive look.

In my experience, when buying glass ornaments, it pays to invest in sturdy ornament hooks to prevent accidental drops and breakage, especially for heavier, more detailed pieces.

3. The “On the Green” Course Tree (Hybrid DIY/Buy)

Transform your tree into the 18th hole with this idea!

This creative hybrid approach transforms your entire tree into a miniature golf course. By combining clever DIY elements for the landscape with fun, store-bought ornaments, you can create a truly immersive and playful holiday display. The theme extends from the topper right down to the tree skirt.

• Materials Needed:
  • Golf cart ornaments (Hallmark is a popular option).
  • A large piece of green felt for the tree skirt.
  • White felt or paint for the “hole.”
  • A small dowel, red felt, and a number sticker for a DIY flag tree topper.
  • Green tinsel garland to represent fairways.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Craft the Tree Skirt: Cut the green felt into a circle to serve as your tree skirt or “putting green.” Cut a smaller white circle and glue it on to represent the hole.
  2. Make the Topper: Create a small flag by gluing red felt to a dowel rod. Add a number sticker (like ’18’) to the flag. Secure this at the top of your tree as a clever golf flag tree topper.
  3. Decorate the Tree: Hang golf cart ornaments and wind green tinsel garland through the branches to simulate the look of lush fairways on a course.

A lesson I learned the hard way: when making a felt tree skirt, be sure to cut a slit from the outer edge to the center and a small circle in the middle so it fits easily around the tree trunk.

4. The Whimsical “Santa’s Caddy” Tree (Buy Focus)

Add a touch of humor with this Santa-on-the-links theme!

This fun and lighthearted theme imagines Santa Claus taking a well-deserved day off on the golf course. It combines the magic of Christmas with the fun of golf, focusing on humorous and whimsical ornaments. This tree is all about personality and bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

• Materials Needed:
  • A variety of “Golfing Santa” ornaments.
  • Red and white striped ribbon.
  • Candy cane ornaments.
  • Small, decorative gift box ornaments.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Collect Santa Ornaments: Shop for ornaments depicting Santa golfing, Santa driving a golf cart that is decorated for Christmas, or acting as a caddy. The more varied and funny the poses, the better.
  2. Establish a Color Scheme: Use the traditional Christmas colors of red and white as your base. Drape red and white ribbon as garland to tie everything together.
  3. Add Whimsical Fillers: Fill in the gaps between your Santa ornaments with classic candy canes and small, decorative gift boxes to complete the festive and fun look.

Here’s a tip from my experience: To create a balanced look, distribute the larger Santa ornaments evenly around the tree first, then fill in the spaces with the smaller, complementary decorations.

5. The Tournament Trophy Tribute Tree (DIY Focus)

Pin this elegant idea for a championship-worthy tree!

This sophisticated theme celebrates the prestige and achievement of golf’s major tournaments. Using a color palette of gold and “Masters green,” this tree is elegant, celebratory, and deeply meaningful for the serious golf fan. It’s a great way to honor the sport’s greatest moments or even personal tournament achievements.

• Materials Needed:
  • Small, plastic gold trophy party favors.
  • A wide, high-quality satin ribbon in “Masters green.”
  • Ribbon for hanging trophies.
  • Small, lightweight photo frames.
  • Printed photos of famous golfers or personal golf achievements.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Prepare Trophy Ornaments: Drill a small hole in the top of the plastic trophies or use a strong adhesive to attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
  2. Create Photo Ornaments: Print small photos of iconic golf moments (or your own!) and place them in the lightweight frames. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
  3. Assemble the Tree: Drape the green satin ribbon as a garland. Hang the trophy and photo ornaments, spreading them out evenly. Use simple gold ball ornaments as fillers to complete the championship look.

A professional tip for this project: When printing photos, use a matte finish to reduce glare from the Christmas lights, making the images much easier to see and appreciate on the tree.

6. The Classic Vintage Golf Tree (Hybrid DIY/Buy)

Capture the history of the game with this vintage tree idea!

This theme evokes the rich history and timeless style of classic golf. It uses natural materials like wood and burlap, a muted color palette, and antique-style decor to create a warm, rustic, and nostalgic feel. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the heritage and tradition of the sport.

• Materials Needed:
  • Vintage-style golf ornaments (look for wood or brushed metal).
  • Bulk wooden golf tees.
  • A needle and sturdy twine or string.
  • Burlap ribbon for garland.
  • Small, sepia-toned prints of old golf photos.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Create a Tee Garland: Carefully thread the twine through the heads of the wooden golf tees using a needle to create long, rustic garlands. This is a simple but highly effective DIY element.
  2. Source Vintage Ornaments: Shop for ornaments that have an antique look and feel. Etsy and specialty Christmas stores are great sources for unique wood, ceramic, or metal pieces.
  3. Assemble with Rustic Touches: Drape the burlap and tee garlands around the tree. Hang the vintage golf decor and clip the small, sepia-toned photos directly onto the branches using miniature clothespins for a final nostalgic touch.

For a truly authentic vintage feel, I always recommend using warm-toned or “vintage style” LED Christmas lights instead of bright white or blue-toned lights. The warmer glow makes a huge difference.

7. The Personalized Pro’s Tree (DIY Focus)

A perfect way to celebrate the golfer in your family!

This tree is a heartfelt tribute to a specific golfer in your life. It’s built around custom and personalized golf christmas ornaments featuring their initials, photos, and significant dates. This is less about a general golf theme and more about creating a cherished holiday heirloom.

• Materials Needed:
  • Blank golf balls or plain ball ornaments.
  • Fine-tipped permanent markers or paint pens in various colors.
  • Small, lightweight photo frame ornaments.
  • A printer for photos.
  • A personalized, engraved golf ornament (as a centerpiece).
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Monogram the Golf Balls: Use paint pens to carefully write initials, important dates (like a first hole-in-one), or draw small designs on the golf balls. Let them dry completely before adding a ribbon loop for hanging.
  2. Create Photo Ornaments: Print wallet-sized photos of the golfer on the course and place them inside the small frame ornaments.
  3. Center the Main Piece: Purchase one professionally personalized golf ornament with the golfer’s full name and the year. Place it in a prime location on the tree and surround it with your heartfelt DIY creations.

Here’s a lesson I’ve learned: Before drawing on the final golf balls, practice your design on a spare ball to get a feel for how the paint pen works on the dimpled surface. It takes a little getting used to!

8. The DIY Golf Course Landscape Tree (DIY Focus)

Get creative with this amazing landscape tree project!

This highly creative DIY project turns your Christmas tree into a stunning, three-dimensional golf course. By cleverly using different types of garlands and craft supplies, you can represent fairways, rough, sand traps, and water hazards directly on the branches. This is a showstopper for the truly ambitious decorator.

• Materials Needed:
  • Lush green tinsel garland (fairways).
  • Brown or sparse green garland (rough).
  • Small, solid blue ball ornaments (water hazards).
  • White pom-poms or cotton balls (sand traps).
  • Miniature sisal trees or bottle brush trees (surrounding trees).
  • Hot glue gun.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Lay the Fairways: Start by wrapping the green tinsel garland horizontally around the tree, creating wide “fairways” at different levels.
  2. Define the Rough: Use the brown or sparse garland to outline the edges of your green fairways.
  3. Place the Hazards: Cluster the small blue ball ornaments together in a few areas to represent water hazards. Hot glue clusters of white pom-poms near the “green” to create sand traps.
  4. Add Landscaping: Place the miniature sisal trees deep within the branches to add depth and complete the landscape illusion.

A pro-tip for this advanced project: To create more realistic sand traps, use spray adhesive on a cluster of cotton balls and sprinkle them with white craft sand. This gives them a much better texture than plain cotton.

9. The Elegant Minimalist Golf Tree (Buy Focus)

For a subtle nod to the sport, try this minimalist approach.

This theme proves that less is more, offering a sophisticated and understated nod to the sport. It focuses on just a handful of exquisite, high-quality glass golf ornaments placed intentionally on a beautifully lit tree. This modern approach is perfect for those who prefer simple Christmas decor with a personal touch.

• Materials Needed:
  • A high-quality, sparse-branched Christmas tree (like a Frasier Fir).
  • 5-7 exquisite, high-quality glass golf ornaments.
  • A strand of warm white micro fairy lights with thin wire.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Start with Lights: Carefully wrap the micro fairy lights deep within the branches, making sure the thin wire is as hidden as possible. The goal is a gentle, ambient glow from within the tree.
  2. Select Key Ornaments: Choose a small number of beautifully crafted glass ornaments. Focus on quality, not quantity. A single elegant golf bag, a simple golf ball, and perhaps a glass golf cart ornament are all you need.
  3. Place with Intention: Hang each ornament in a spot where it has plenty of space around it. This allows each piece to be appreciated individually. Remember, the negative space is just as important as the ornament itself in a minimalist design.

For a true minimalist look, I advise resisting the urge to add a traditional tree topper. Leave the top of the tree bare or add a single, simple star that matches the metallic finish of your ornament hooks to maintain the clean aesthetic.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Golf Themed Christmas Tree

With so many creative options, choosing the right one comes down to your personal style and how much time you want to spend on the project. Here’s a quick summary to help you find your perfect match.

• For the Crafter (DIY): Focus on the “Golf Ball Galore” or “Personalized Pro’s” trees. These projects use simple, accessible materials like golf balls, tees, and paint pens to create unique, custom decor with a personal touch.
• For the Shopper (Buy): Look for high-quality, detailed ornaments like those needed for the “Golfer’s Gear” or “Santa’s Caddy” trees from specialty retailers. This approach is perfect for building a lasting collection.
• For the Creative Designer (Hybrid): Combine DIY elements with store-bought pieces in themes like the “On the Green” or “Vintage Golf” trees. This allows you to create a unique, layered look that’s all your own.
• For the Minimalist: Choose the “Elegant Minimalist” approach by selecting a few high-quality glass ornaments and letting them shine on a simply lit tree. It’s a sophisticated and modern way to show your love for the game.

People Also Ask About Golf Themed Christmas Trees

What to give a golfer for Christmas?

The best Christmas gifts for a golfer are items that are either practical for their game or celebrate their passion. Beyond themed Christmas ornaments, consider practical gifts like high-quality golf balls, a new golf glove, or personalized ball markers. For a larger gift, a stylish golf towel or even a new putter are excellent choices that any golfer would appreciate.

What is the new Christmas tree trend?

A significant new trend in Christmas decorating as of 2025 is the use of multiple, smaller themed trees throughout the home. Instead of just one main tree in the living room, people are placing tabletop trees in kitchens, bedrooms, or offices. Each one is decorated with a unique theme, like sports or hobbies, allowing for more creative and personalized holiday expression in every corner of the house.

How do you make a golf ball ornament?

The easiest way to make a golf ball ornament is by using a hot glue gun. Simply apply a generous dot of hot glue to the top of a clean golf ball and firmly press a looped piece of festive ribbon into the glue while it’s hot. For a more secure, long-lasting option, you can carefully drill a small hole through the top of the ball and thread the ribbon through it, tying a knot to secure it.

Final Thoughts

Decorating a golf-themed Christmas tree is a wonderfully fun and creative way to bring your personal passion into the holiday season. Whether you choose an elaborate DIY project that turns your tree into a miniature course or a simple, elegant display with a few choice ornaments, the result is a celebration that is uniquely yours. The best tree is one that makes you smile every time you see it.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match ideas from this list to create a design that’s the perfect fit for your home and your style. Ultimately, it’s about having fun and creating new traditions.

Which of these golf-themed tree ideas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below

Last update on 2025-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API