Hole in one memorabilia can be anything from an autographed photo of a professional golfer making the winning putt to the golf ball that the golfer themselves used to score in their local tournament. Some hole in one memorabilia have nothing to do with tournaments and are instead kept as mementos of a child's first hole in one achieved with a parent or a souvenir from a golfing vacation.
Types
There are two main types of hole in one memorabilia to collect. The first is hole in one memorabilia from a famous, tournament winning, professional golfer. These items can be bought at sports memorabilia stores or won in charity auctions.
The second type is collected by the golfer themselves. These may include items from important tournaments the golfer has played in or games that were personally satisfying for the player.
Hole in one memorabilia can be a golf ball (autographed or not), a winning scorecard, a hole in one trophy or plaque or even the golf club used to achieve the hole in one.
Benefits
While hole in one memorabilia can be a hobby for some sports fans, it can be seen as an investment. Generally, the value of hole in one memorabilia from an established professional grows steadily over the years.
Golfers who keep their own hole in one memorabilia will enjoy displaying their golf club, balls or other items from important games. These items are heirlooms to be passed from parent to child.
Function
Some collect hole in one memorabilia simply for the love of the game. The collectibles can also serve as decoration, placed in stylish and prominent glass cases and display cases.
Time Frame
Hole in one memorabilia from professional golfers becomes more scarce and more valuable over the course of time. The ease of obtaining items linked to specific athletes depends on when you are trying to purchase them. Demand tends to spike when an athlete wins an important tournament or at after his death.
Identification
Because of the popularity and demand of hole in one memorabilia, many collectors have unwittingly been dealt counterfeit collectibles. Most serious collectors will only buy memorabilia that comes with a certificate of authenticity from an established, well regarded dealer. The PGA and the LPGA both authorize and certify the hole in one memorabilia they make available to collectors.
Resources
- —Displaying hole in one memorabilia
- —A quick guide to antique hole in one and other golf memorabilia.
