Fellow golfers, fellow collectors, enjoy Your stay.

 Thank you for visiting our site.  Whether you are a member of the ball marker collectors club or someone with an interest in golf and or markers, you are most welcome to browse or fully digest its contents.

Since the site was launched in June 2010 we have had over 20,000 hits - well in excess of our original expectations! We take that as proof that there is interest in marker collecting and try to provide information for both serious collectors and those new to the pastime.  The site is edited by a collector whose aim is to  include a  variety of content that  hopefully is informative to a cross section of golfers.

Please also be aware that the site is updated at least 4 times a year, so why not check us out from time to time?

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT- you are most welcome!

Phil Kingham

Editor & Collector

Kinghamphil@aol.com

 The US having not had a major winner in 6 attempts since Phil Mickelson triumphed at the Masters in 2010, would have been almost as pleased as  'major rookie' Keegan Bradley that he won the US PGA at the Atlanta Athletic club at his first attempt. Many Congratulations to Keegan and a 'big sigh of relief  for US golf fans'. No doubt!

Darren (major winner) Clarke  joins the elite

 We on this site are absolutely delighted that Darren Clarke won the Open at Royal St George's. What a great achievement for Darren and the whole of Northern Ireland. Following the recent success of Rory and Graeme this small country is making the rest of Europe (particularly the English) look sadly lacking in terms of determination and application and probably skill as well. Many of our so called 'stars' gave the impression that they didn't  want to be there at the weekend! We could well wait as long for an English 'major winner' as we have waited for a winner  on the grass at SW19 !!

Markers from previous Open's held at RSG are shown below, other images from this years event are shown in the left column.

Many congratulations to RORY McIlroy

on becoming the latest winner of the US Open and bursting a series of records in the process.

Following the previous win by GMac, this event is 'tongue in cheek'  becoming known as the 'Northern Ireland Invitational'

Can't wait to see what happens at Royal St George's. A UK winner?  Or, more records broken by our man from Hollywood!

 The Spanish golfing maestro Seve Ballesteros, sadly lost his last match on the 7^th May 2011 at the  early age of just 54 against a combination of respiratory failure and a cruel series of brain tumours.   The genius, legend and inspiration of all European professional golfers through the 1980’s and 1990’s as well as to many millions of club golfers will be sadly missed, but not forgotten.

This small tribute includes some ball markers pictures from some of his triumphs that we would like to remember him by. If you have some others that you would like to forward the scans of, they will be added to the site. Please  contact kinghamphil@aol.com

Seve won the first of three open championships in 1979 at Lytham St Annes beating Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw by three shots. The following year he won the Masters (the first European to win) by 4 shots.  He won it again in 1983 and provided the catalyst for other Europeans to challenge and win at Augusta shortly after.   In 1984 he won the open again, this time at St Andrews. His last open championship win came in 1988, again at Royal Lytham.

He was European No 1 in 1991 for the 6^th time in his career and won 50 European tour events in total.

Seve loved matchplay. He won the World Matchplay 5 times at Wentworth between 1981 and 1985. Ryder cup was though arguably his greatest challenge and thrill. He was a big part of the European team that won in the US for the first time in 1987 and it was there at Muirfield Village  that the amazing   partnership was established with Jose Maria Olazabal that saw them win 11,and halve 2 of the 15 times they were paired together. In all, Seve played in 8 Ryder cups and captained a winning team at Valderrama in 1997.

 My biggest memories of Seve will though be not what he won, but the way he played the game and won.  In Seve's world it didn’t matter where you are on the golf course after your tee shot.  A large dose of imagination, a lot more skill, a swagger, a smile and the course, hole or opponent would be beaten with great enthusiasm and pride.

God bless you Seve.  The memories will last forever.

The latest update to this unique site for collectors, has now featured over 3000 markers across it's eight pages. Specific items added since the previous edition include:

* Markers from SOMERSET added to the West Country feature at the bottom of this page.

* Markers from golf clubs in KENT have been added to the around  LONDON  feature on the MORE MARKERS page.

* A comparison of centenary markers detailing those issued last year compared to a selection from 20 years earlier are on the SPECIALS page.

* Small changes to the other pages, so if its your first visit, or if you've not been on for a while- enjoy your browsing.

If you can't find what you are looking for, drop me a note kinghamphil@aol.com and I will endevour to accomodate your wishes by email, or on a future update.

I DO HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY YOUR GOLF, YOUR COLLECTING AND YOUR TIME ON THIS SITE.

Phil

For many the first major of the year, the Masters marks the start of the golfing season. Keen ball marker collectors also look forward to this time, not just to follow events on the fabulous course, but  to acquire the latest exclusive markers from Augusta. 

We congratulate Charl Schwartzel for his remarkable win, but wonder 'whats happened to the American challenge?  Currently, we have two south African holders of major titles, one from Germany and of course Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland.  A look down the leader board at Augusta also sees a lot of good 'young uns' from around the world. In celebration of a hugely competitive event a  selection of markers from the last 20+ years are shown below, including this years special 75th year marker.  Most of them are known to be genuine, but a few I am nervous about. If you can help me fill in the gaps with information and pictures or  markers from 2002, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1987 or 1986. it would be much appreciated. Please contact Kinghamphil@aol.com

Many thanks to Brian 206 Hants  for adding to the picture gallery. Any more offers of help to fill the missing gaps, with different, preferably genuine issues, would be much appreciated.

Visitors to a well-known auction site may be forgiven for believing that certain sellers have cornered the market in RARE markers. They too often use the words RARE, Very RARE, EXTREMELY RARE, and XX RARE to describe their wares, no doubt in a thinly veiled attempt to influence buyers into bidding and trying to lure them into thinking they are within a click of acquiring a bargain.

Yet some, if not most of these items are regularly offered by these same sellers, every few weeks! Furthermore, many of our BMCC members have them in their collections and on occasions are holding spares.    So just how rare are some of their offerings?

In an attempt to provide  accurate guidance on what are truly rare and difficult to acquire, we will introduce, on this site, markers that we consider to be rare based on how many of our members have them in their collections.

RARISH- Less than 30% of our founder members have them - but clearly obtainable.

RARE- Less than 20% of our founder members have them - a rarely seen item.

VERY RARE- Less than 10% of our founder members have them - one to cherish, or search for.

Additionally, some clues as to what markers may well become RARE in the future, i.e. markers from clubs that no longer exist, or clubs that have changed names.  So check out the bottom of your golf bag, or the back of that drawer that you put ‘odds and ends’ in.    You may just find a gem of the future!

Got any of these?

For desription hover over image, for clearer view click on marker.

Others you might like to look out for include:

RARISH- Blainroe (Eire),  Dalmilling (Scots), Douglas Valley (Lancs),  Harefield Place (London), Langlands (Scots), Masham (N Yorks), Penkridge (Staffs)

RARE- Castle Gregory (Eire), Castletroy (Eire),  Fakenham (Norfolk), Ingol (Lancs), Moatlands (Kent), Southfield (Oxon), Southport Muni (Merseyside)

VERY RARE-  Brighton & Hove (Sussex), Dublin Mountain (Eire), Periville Park (Middx), St Clements (Suffolk), Selkirk (Scots),  Sphinx (Warwicks), Sedgey (West Midlands), Woodthorpe (Lincs).  Rhondda Centenary issue (see item on SPECIALS page)

Of course these rarity ratings, would change if the clubs concerned issued markers post  March 2011. But, older markers from these clubs are indeed scarce/ sought after by current collectors and would therefore be cherished items.

Should you have any markers that you would like an opinion on, we are willing to carry out appraisals for individual items or indeed vast collections. Contact kinghamphil@aol.com

Welcome to the Ball Marker Collectors Club

Welcome to what we believe is one of only two specialist web sites for ball marker collectors in the UK, possibly the only ones worldwide. Our aim is simply to become a place where collectors can contact other collectors and find out more about the interest that they share.

Whilst our membership origins were the Eastern Counties of England, we have since the publishing of a very positive 3 page article in Golf Monthly (April 2010) seen healthy membership expansion, including contact from  collectors in South Africa and Nova Scotia  and are now keen to expand our contacts/membership  worldwide, but particularly  into  Australia, Canada, Eire and the US, as well as throughout the UK.

So wherever you live, if you would like to talk to other collectors, we can help. If you would like to BUY, SELL or SWAP markers, we can help. If you would like to identify a marker that you have, we can help. Whatever your interest in ball markers, there should be something of interest for you from across our two sites. If there is something you would like to see added, please get in touch Kinghamphil@aol.com

 What can the Ball Marker Collectors Club  do for you?

 Joining the 'Ball Markers Collectors Club' (BMCC)  can only be good for your collection.  Some of the things we can offer different levels of collectors are mentioned below. So give it some thought and do get in touch.

 Those that specialise in Courses they play- BUT, have a number of gaps within their collections. Maybe the Club didn’t offer markers when you played there, or perhaps you didn’t collect markers when you played it. For those collectors we CAN:

 ·                    Supply a database containing 100’s of duplicate markers owned by our regulars. What you are looking for may well be listed!

·                    Circularise your requirements to all known collectors. Your chances of finding your item have just increased 30+ fold!  We all visit & talk to golf clubs and other collectors  on a regular basis and are keen to help fellow collectors as a matter of routine. There’s a good chance, after all, that you will also be able to help, one/some/all of us, as well!

-                Welcome you to our regular Golf & Swap meets. A chance to meet up with fellow collectors, normally Spring & Autumn.

 For those looking to establish a comprehensive collection, we CAN: (in addition to the aforementioned)

 -          Provide a database by Club, County, Country of all GB & I clubs (including name changes and clubs no longer in existence)

-           Put you in touch with collectors of similar interests with the ability to see each other’s collections status, requirements by sharing one common database.

-          Provide an annual emphasis on acquiring new Centenary issues

-          Ensure a shared focus with contact to each & every GB & I golf club to establish Ball marker status and availability.

-         Regular email contact on all Ball Marker  topics

PLUS this new website which we plan to expand to become a REFERENCE  point for COLLECTORS. Content of the site will be updated at least FOUR TIMES a year, with regular features and plenty of Ball marker pictures for you to view.  

So add the site to your FAVOURITES and check us out regularly to keep up to date with Ball markers.

Please also feel able to drop a note to the Editor if you would like to see something added to the site.

IF YOU JOIN THE BMCC and get involved swapping with our MEMBERS, we only insist on one thing. All BALL MARKERS MUST HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM PRO SHOPS or CLUB SECRETARIES. We do not support or Trade in copies or fakes!

In its simplest form, to join the BMCC  involves a nominal (just £12)  joining fee , with  no ongoing annual charges.   It is open to all Golfers/ Ball Marker Collectors, Worldwide.   Our activities encompass many aids to collecting and it is entirely up to you how much or how little you get involved.  The £12 fee will give you immediate access to our duplicate list, to buy or swap markers, as well as being able to list your own duplicates/wants.  Most collectors confirm that the £12 is easily recovered on their first swap/trade when compared with business conducted with auction house sites. You will also receive contact information for  other members with similar collecting interests to your own, along with an email of introduction to all of them, if required.  

It should be emphasised that the BMCC is a non profit making organisation.  All fees raised are used to support the ongoing costs of the web site (excluding the Editor time which is provided free).  Any surpluses will be used to support small clubs launch their 'first ever' markers, by guaranteeing up front to take a quantity.  Club Secretaries and Professionals, please take note if you are considering the viability of introducing your first club markers.

To join, or receive any further information  that you require contact Phil Kingham on the link below. In collecting terms it will be the best £12 you ever spent!

 Phil Kingham

Website Editor

Ball Marker Collectors Club

kinghamphil@aol.com

United Kingdom

US OPEN CHAMPION

Won the point that secured the RYDER CUP at Celtic Manor

Won the Celtic Manor WELSH OPEN

Beat a T Woods in play off to win the Chevron World Challenge.

In a tribute to a great year we are pleased to feature markers from golf clubs throughout Northern Ireland. Hover mouse over picture for description or click for a clearer view.

Some of our members favour stem markers, others favour flat or coin type markers. The majority of these are Golf Design markers which are also sought after by many. For a clearer view click on image. For description hover over image. Stemmed Ryder Cup markers are featured in the left column, towards the top of the page.

Peter's local club. St Thomas's Priory

I first came across" The Jackdaws" after reading a fascinating article in Golf Monthly.April 2010 about this  small bunch of Golf nuts who like me were smitten by of all things, Ball Markers. I quickly made contact with one of the original founding members Phil Kingham

  He made me feel very welcome from the outset and even more quickly I started buying and swapping. Phil soon introduced me to other collectors in the group and I now have a collection that has grown from 300+ to nearly 700. I have never traded via E-bay  because this likeable friendly and very helpful bunch afford me a feeling of trustworthiness and camaraderie- in short it's like dealing with your friends. I believe Phil is now hoping to extend "operations" to a wider audience via BMCC so take my advice and Jump aboard.You wont regret it.

Peter Staffordshire

 UPDATE : Nearly a year since becoming involved with the ball marker collectors club, Peter's collection now numbers just under 1400 markers. Whether you would like your collection to grow that quickly, or more sedately, why not join us at the BMCC. 

The site will continue to have its content increased over the next few months.  Though the next major update will be in April just after the Masters.  So log on at regular intervals and be sure to give us another look.   That update will include:

* West country feature continues with  markers from GLOUCESTERSHIRE

*  A look at the latest markers from Augusta

*  News of the BMCC Spring meeting from the home of Lee Westwood (Worksop GC)

* Markers from other counties around the capital

 Additionally, if there is something you would like to see added, or if you would like to add anything, please get in touch

Kinghamphil@aol.com

Please save the site address

Eleven collectors that have recently joined the Ball Marker Collectors Club:

 David 109 Yorks    

 Geoff 110 Cambs  

James 111 Lothian    

Anton 215 Berks              

 Shirley 401 London

Dennis 402 Yorks

Ray 403 Lancs

Bjarne 904 Norway

Jay 905 VA US

Neil 906 SA

Mike 907 AZ US

 David is keen to acquire 30+ markers  to help him complete a collection of courses he has played but hasn't yet got the markers. David has also identified markers that he  would offer as swaps, though he would be willing to purchase his requirements at current 'member to member rates', if a swap cannot be arranged.

 Geoff, after a period of picking up markers for others, has now decided to obtain markers from all the courses he has played over the years.

James is keen to acquire markers from courses he has played, but didn't or couldn't when he visited the courses.

Anton collects English, Scottish and South African markers and is also interested in playing golf with marker collectors in his area.

 Shirley is keen on Centenaries and Royal markers and anything that is colourful, pleasing to look at and hopefully intricate. 

Dennis is interested in completing a collection of markers from all the clubs in Yorkshire and the North East.

Ray has a collection that has been lying dormant. That was until he found the BMCC web site.  He is hoping to grow his collection of Opens, Masters, Ryder cups and links courses whilst enjoying the chance to communicate with other collectors. Much more enjoyable than 'going it alone'!

 Bjarne is our first collector from Scandinavia and is interested in GB & I clubs as well as markers from Sweden, Norway and New Zealand.

Jay is keen to grow his collection of markers from GB & I as well as elsewhere throughout the world.

Neil, a member at Royal Johannesburg, is keen to grow his collection of  Royal markers along with other English, South African and other golf clubs  from around the world. 

Mike based in Arizona is a keen collector of British Open markers and courses that he has played.

 Members can contact any of the above by referring to their members listing, or in case of difficulty contact Kinghamphil@aol.com for help.

...what a crazy decision to penalise Dustin Johnson on the 72nd hole!  Would you have  expected spectators to be standing all around you in a bunker as you played your shot ?

In celebration of a rare European win at this major (Padraig Harrington 2008  excepted) I have pictured some recent USPGA markers.  Hover on picture for description, click for clearer view.

To celebrate Louis'  4 days of great golf in tough conditions at St Andrews, we have featured some Open markers from recent tournaments.  How many South African winners can you recall through those years?

Picture kindly provided by Gavin 901 SA

Two very popular golfers on these shores

Great picture. Many thanks, others gratefully accepted!

Updates of  this  West Country series will see other counties shown as we progress eastward on subsequent issues. Next update will therefore  showcase Gloucestershire.

For  desription hover over image,  for closer look click on image.

Other English counties golf clubs are shown on the MORE MARKERS page. To locate go to top of page and click on the MORE MARKERS header.

Dorset markers to look out for

Continuing the theme regarding scarce items as classified by the BMCC, here are some examples of common place through to Rare and beyond.

The Dorset Golf & CC marker is a current item and is freely available from the pro shop. A commonplace item you might say. Next to it are three marked East Dorset GC which was the former name, but not classified as rarish , yet.

The name before East Dorset was Lakey Hill and these are worth looking out for, we rate them as RARE

Whilst we rate Lakey Hill as RARE. We have categorised two more from the county as VERY RARE, Lyons Gate and Solent Meads.

 Dorset double delight

You wait for years to see markers from Lyons Gate (club no longer exists) and Solent Meads (possibly 12 years since they had some) and then friend of the site (Trevor from Bedfordshire)  sends pictures of two each!

 Needless to say if anyone else out there has some the BMCC would love to hear from you/try to buy them from you!   Quite plain looking markers of the period, but would complete a number of collections.  Please contact kinghamphil@aol.com if you have one/some!