Things That Golfers Collect

Obsessive by nature, golfers are predisposed towards hoarding, often making for redoubtable collectors. Whether it be having more pairs of shoes than is considered healthy, or possessing a vast range of forlorn putters residing in the garage, many of us simply like having stuff around that reminds us of that overriding passion for the ancient game.

But one area that is becoming increasingly popular (and lucrative for the venues) concerns collectables from golf courses. And it's not just the most iconic destinations on the planet, either. Clubs and resorts make a wide variety of merchandise available to members and visitors, whether it be scorecards, course guides, tees, logo balls, apparel, ball markers, and much, much more.

And golfers take full advantage!

For most, a memento from a new course visited is a permanent reminder of a memorable experience, a way to immortalise a trip, or something to merely show off to your friends. The keenest of golfers may even use those purchases to complete a shrine to their journey through the game.

Golfshake Ambassador, Matt Holbrook describes his thoughts on the matter. "I do like to get a stroke saver/course guide everywhere I go.

"I then started to get bag tags at all the 'better courses' I visited on trips, etc, but that started to get too much - although I do still have two on my bag! 

"Then it made sense to collect a ball with logos on as they are nice to display."

Much to the frustration of his wife, Richard Moore is partial to a keepsake from golf courses.

"I’ve calmed recently, but for the last three or four years, I have been buying all sorts every time I go to a new course. Always a ball marker - though I stopped when the tin I used could no longer be closed.

"But I have a fine collection of branded golf balls, tees, pencils, pitch mark repairers, and over 20 shirts!

"Although I have calmed down now, I always keep a scorecard."

For Andy Picken, his collection is a reminder of unforgettable moments.

"Made this into a memory box and have it in my study. Each piece has a special memory."

And what about this from Golfshake's Darren Ramowski - so immaculately presented too.

Resident of St Andrews, Kieran Clark shared this courtesy package that golfers receive when playing The Old Course.

He added: "I'm not a great one for collecting gimmicks from courses, mostly because I invariably lose them, but I was delighted to receive this commemorative bag tag at Royal Dornoch in 2016, celebrating 400 years of golf at one of my favourite spots in Scotland."

Finally, it would be hard to surpass the foraging exploits of Twitter user Canadian TinCup, who has accumulated a museum quality collection from a remarkable 119-day trip to Great Britain & Ireland in 2020, where he ticked off 83 of the finest links layouts that these islands can offer.

The collection so far. pic.twitter.com/RdC1VNrlpB

— Canadian TinCup (@kmbaert) August 25, 2020

So, are you someone who makes sure that they take a memento home with them after playing a course for the first time? If the answer is yes, then we'd love to see your collection!

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