Golfing Collectables

Golfing collectables has been a real boom industry over the last 20 to 30 years, especially with clubs and balls. Its not surprising that prices have equally grown in scale with old long nosed clubs fetching prices in excess of £800.

The development of golf is attributed to Scotland during the 15th to 17th century, although it probably has its origins in the Rome Empire with 'Paganica', also origins can be seen in the middle ages with 'jeu de mail' in France and 'ket holven' in Holland.

In 1457 King James II (of Scotland) actually banned golf as a sport because he feared that regular golfing was interfering with the development of archery skills, the main form of warfare during that time. This bad was generally ignored and in 1744 the first golf club was setup.

The primary collectable pieces are golf balls, clubs and commemorative pottery.

Golf Clubs

Prices for wood shaft clubs can reach a thousand pounds plus. The best examples will normally date from before 1890 and will feature either long nose woods or "early" irons. Clubs were manufactured with wood shafts until 1930-1935. The early irons or 'Rut' irons were made by the local blacksmiths.

20th century steel shaft clubs normally have no significant value although some steel shaft clubs can be worth collecting. Models made prior to 1945 usually need unusual shafts or faces to be considered collectible.

When collecting clubs look for the great makers such as Auchterlonie, Andrew Forgan, Jack Morris or Philip.

Golf Balls

Feathery golf balls - made from hand stitched leather stuffed with dampened goose down - have been used for hundreds of years. Those with a manufacturer's mark are most desirable.

Gutty - in the mid 1800's a new type of golf ball, know as a "gutty" was developed. They were made from a hard rubbery substance called gutta percha. Look out for any stamped with Allan Robertson or Tom Morris.

Rubber - From late 1800's through to the 1930's rubber core golf balls came into favor.

Balls made after 1930 don't have much value.

Golfing Memorabilia

Premier band names in the pottery industry made golfing memorabilia to commemorate both events and personalities. Look for the likes of Doulton and Shelley. Other areas to collect include: old golf magazines, postcards and even decorative items such as bookends.