Golfers are strange dudes.  When we are really into it it's almost an adiction.  Unless you know he wants a certain club or is not happy with a certain club, I'd let that to him and would do nothing more then a gift certificate at Dicks's or somplace.  A gift certificate to a very nice course where he'd never pay the price to golf would be nice but then he'd have to have a buddy that would want to pay the price to pay there.  But, a dozen really good balls, again try to see what he uses, would always be welcome.  Buying equipment for an avid golfer is sorta like a guy trying to buy a bra for someone.  Sorry, not being sexist just the only example I can think of that works.  If he needs new shoes you could always get him those and make sure you tell him he's very welcome to trade them in for what he likes if they don't fit or aren't the style or type he wants.  It's not easy buying golf stuff for an avid golfer.  Like I said golfers are strange creatures.