Golf Memorabilia | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Golf is a very old game -- many believe it originates from Scotland. Over the last few decades, there has been a growth in popularity of golf as a sport and also as a leisure activity. Golf is now played at many different levels with both professional and amateur tours in many parts of the world. Golfers such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam now enjoy global recognition. The increasing reputation of golf has fuelled more people to become golf memorabilia buyers and collectors. Some collect as a hobby. For others, what started as a hobby may have become a more serious business from which they can make a living. There is also the investment aspect in collecting golf memorabilia. Depending on the desirability of past and present golfers, collecting the 'right' items of memorabilia can make you a small fortune!

Popular Items of Golf Memorabilia
The majority of golfing memorabilia collectors are interested in antique, rare and signed pieces, although modern items do equally well. Items which are in high demand are those which have featured in celebrated international golf championships. These types of items are much sought-after by collectors worldwide:

Golf Scorecards
Signed Golf Clubs
Antique Golf Clubs such as the antique hickory shafted golf club
Golf Flags
Golf Bags including antique leather pencil golf bags
Golf Ball Markers
Original Golfing Programmes
Autographed Golf Balls
Autographed Golf Shirts
Signed and Framed limited edition Presentations
Signed and Framed limited edition Photographs
Signed Golf Shoes
Prints and Posters
Golfing Books and Magazines
Commemorative Books
Pin Flags
Signed and Framed Golf Caps
Signed Cards and Postcards

Places to buy Golf Memorabilia
These are suggestions of some of the best places to visit when looking for golf memorabilia.

Golf Memorabilia Auctions
General online auctions are a good place to look as there is almost always a huge variety of interesting items to browse through. Another obvious place to try is a specialist online auction website. These websites are useful as they are professional and dedicated solely to selling an array of golf memorabilia. There are online auctions as well as public sporting or auctions which are held intermittently across towns and cities in the UK and abroad. Specialist sports memorabilia auctioneers can give you advice and valuations on any of your golf collectibles. Many collectors also enjoy the entertainment that an auction provides. It is especially enjoyable if you are successful in bidding and end up acquiring the item you wish for! You can find dates, times and venues of sporting memorabilia auctions on the websites. Your local newspaper will also be able to provide you with details of any general antique auctions taking place near you.

Mail Order and Specialist Individual Websites
Many online businesses exist on the internet, offering an exciting choice of golf memorabilia. The internet allows you to browse through the goods on offer and, if you wish, purchase the item that you are interested in. Furthermore, the internet allows you to buy golf memorabilia from anywhere in the world! In doing so, make sure that you read the terms and conditions and be clear about the online retailer's refund and returns policy. You should also protect yourself by organising appropriate insurance to cover any damage or loss to the items, particularly if they are being shipped from overseas.

Sporting Memorabilia Shows or Collectors Fairs
There are a handful of specialist sporting memorabilia shows or collectors fairs held around the UK and abroad. Within these shows and fairs, you will find numerous stalls and stands selling various categories of sporting memorabilia, including golfing memorabilia. Whether you are a professional buyer or an enthusiastic collector, such events are generally worth a visit. It is a pleasure to browse through so many interesting pieces of memorabilia on display. Moreover, these events are usually entertaining and sociable.

Golf Memorabilia Collectors' Clubs
For serious collectors of golf memorabilia, joining a collectors club is a good idea. At the present time, the vast majority of these collectors clubs exist on the internet. They serve as a useful online community for all golf memorabilia collectors , allowing them to get together online to chat and socialise with fellow-collectors. Many of these collectors clubs publish online magazines and newsletters. Many have online shops or e-shops, where collectors can buy and sell their golf memorabilia.

Publications and Websites
Here is a small selection of magazines, both online and printed, that may carry advertisements selling golf memorabilia.

Golf World
Today's Golfer
Golf Today
Collectibles Magazine
Antiques & Collectibles Magazine

Another useful idea is to scan the websites of theEnglish Golf Union or The PGA including the websites of the more established local and regional golf clubs in the UK . These websites may have useful links to other websites which specialise in golf memorabilia.

Classifieds
Listings here at Classifieds and in the printed and online versions of classifieds and directories can also be a useful resource to find unusual items of golf memorabilia.

Buying Golf Memorabilia Safely:
Many of the golf memorabilia available on the market to buy are rare, vintage or antique pieces. Be ready to accept that some of these aged items may have suffered some considerable damage during play over the years. Make sure you check the extent of any damage before you buy. Many pieces of golf memorabilia may be delicate items, especially if they are antiques. If this is the case, it is vital that you arrange for them to be delivered by a professional courier that knows how to handle fragile goods. It is sensible to arrange appropriate insurance.

Proof of Authenticity of Signed Items
It is widely-recognised that the authenticity of any item of memorabilia purchased is paramount. Before you pay out for any signed item, ensure the following:

Does the item come with a Certificate Of Authenticity?
Does the item come from a trusted dealer?
Does the item have a unique serial number?
Finally, there is always speculation from investors over golfing stars who may be about to pass away -- needless to say, this has a significant effect on the value of signed items.