Looking for a creative, handmade gift idea for the golfer in your life? This festive project blends woodworking and golf in a fun, unexpected way. In this video, we turn a simple golf ball into a unique Christmas ornament using the WoodRiver Cygnus Ornament Turning Kit and a wood lathe. It’s a quick, satisfying project that makes a perfect personalized holiday gift or stocking stuffer.
While most ornament projects start with wood blanks, this one takes a playful twist. With the golf ball mounted on the lathe, a few careful cuts and a drilled center hole prepare it for the kit hardware. The turning process is smooth, quick, and perfect for both experienced woodturners and anyone looking to try something new on the lathe. Once the hardware is added, the golf ball takes on a sleek, polished look—ready to hang on the tree or gift to a golf enthusiast.
This project is a great example of how woodturning skills can be used beyond traditional materials. Using tools like the Laguna Revo 12|16 Midi Lathe, an Oneway Talon Chuck, and a WoodRiver Heavy-Duty Drill Chuck, you can turn just about anything into something beautiful and meaningful.
If you enjoy relaxing, watch-along woodworking videos, this project is a great one to inspire your next session in the shop. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to bring a smile when it’s unwrapped.
Whether you’re crafting for friends, family, or simply adding a little creativity to your holiday décor, this golf ball ornament project is a reminder that woodworking doesn’t always have to be about wood—it’s about imagination, skill, and a touch of holiday spirit.
Watch the full video to see the process from start to finish and find inspiration for your own handmade holiday gifts.