| The game of golf is steeped in history. Golfers are | | | | Century. The original "Ping" putters from the 1960's are |
| appreciative of the game's history, and enjoy learning | | | | highly sought after collectibles. Items bearing the |
| about the great players of the past, and the | | | | signatures of greats such as Ben Hogan or Byron |
| memorable tournaments. Just watch any major | | | | Nelson also fetch hefty premiums. Prices for vintage |
| championships on TV: there are always segments | | | | equipment can start very reasonably, $20-$50, and be |
| about prior championships played on that course, who | | | | as high as several thousand dollars for certain rare |
| won, and what were the memorable shots. Golf's long | | | | items. |
| history also presents the opportunity for an interesting | | | | There are also online sites devoted exclusively to golf |
| and potentially lucrative hobby, collecting vintage golf | | | | collectibles. |
| equipment. Displaying vintage clubs or balls can add a | | | | Antique Golf Clubs from Scotland describes itself as |
| lot of interest to any golfer's home. | | | | "the leading online resource for antique golf clubs and |
| Just as anyone who appears on PBS' Antiques | | | | memorabilia from Scotland, the birthplace of golf." |
| Roadshow program can attest, it is tremendous fun to | | | | offers clubs and balls from the 1900-1930 period, |
| try to find bargains in antiques, and vintage golf | | | | obtained from a private collection. [ - A vintage driver |
| equipment is no exception. Vintage golf items are | | | | runs around $125, a Mashie (5 iron) is $95 and a |
| relatively easy to find, and pursuing this hobby can be | | | | mesh-patterned golf ball in good condition is $75. |
| a way to learn more about the history of the | | | | Before beginning your acquisition of vintage golf |
| wonderful game of golf, and how equipment has | | | | equipment, you should do some research. An excellent |
| evolved and improved down the years. It's fun to grip | | | | guidebook is: Antique Golf Collectibles: A Price and |
| an old hickory-shafted club form the '20's, set down a | | | | Reference Guide (Paperback) by highly respected golf |
| gutta percha ball, and imagine trying to actually play | | | | collector and publisher, Chuck Furjanic. This book |
| with this type of equipment! You quickly gain greater | | | | includes comprehensive information on literally |
| appreciation for today's forgiving clubs and juiced-up | | | | thousands of collectibles: antique clubs and balls, |
| golf balls. | | | | autographs, signature golf balls, artwork, medals and |
| As with any other form of collecting, there are pitfalls, | | | | trophies, as well as trading cards and other collectibles. |
| however. You need to make sure items you are | | | | With more than 500 photographs, this book is |
| buying are authentic vintage equipment, not fakes or | | | | fascinating to read as well as an important price guide |
| replicas. For instance, new clubs can be distressed to | | | | for would-be collectors. |
| look antique. If you are buying items with signatures | | | | A few other tips: |
| from great players, you need to make sure the | | | | 1) Try to find items in as good a condition as possible. |
| signature is authenticated. These types of collectibles, if | | | | These are more likely to hold their value or appreciate. |
| authenticated, can enjoy great price appreciation over | | | | "Vintage" doesn't mean in beaten-up condition. |
| the years. | | | | 2) Putters are among the most popular collectibles. |
| You can of course search for vintage golf equipment | | | | 3) When you begin collecting, stick with equipment |
| online. The mega-store eBay has an extensive | | | | items, clubs, balls, vintage golf bags, etc. rather than golf |
| "Vintage" golf equipment section on their site, often | | | | artwork, which requires more study in order to make |
| with more than 1000 items. Golf collectibles are not | | | | informed decisions. |
| necessarily just clubs from the late 19th or early 20th | | | | |