ballmarkercollectorsclub.com

Welcome to the BMCC pictorial guide to  markers by County

For specialist collectors the BMCC can for a small charge  produce a pictorial guide to markers collected   from golf clubs, on a County by County basis.  This can be made available on CD or hard copy.  So, if there is a particular County or Country that you would like to see, do get in touch Kinghamphil@aol.com  and we will do our best to supply your needs. We can also show Centenaries by year as well as show some from the Worlds major golf tournaments. 

This page is purely a part sample to whet your appetite. Please ask for what you would like to see from a collection that has been accumulated over the last 20 years+

This is the last update to the counties that border the Capital. So if you've missed a county that you would like to see drop me an email. Our next update of this page  will see the clubs from the red and white rose counties Lancashire and Yorkshire.  Contact Kinghamphil@aol.com if you would like me to send you a particular county images.

Welcome to the  BMCC  Scottish Specialist

Whilst a number of us collect Scottish Markers, few if anyone collects them with the passion of Martin. Whilst he lives in Lincolnshire he still manages at least 3 golfing/ marker trips to Scotland each year. If a marker has been produced in Scotland for a Scottish club, chances are he has it, or is trying valiantly to track it down. He even spends a lot a time trying to convince smaller clubs that there is a market, not only from golf club members, but visitors looking for a souvenir of their visit, as well as the growing number of collectors.  Many of whom are very keen, not least those involved with the BMCC. 

On the left Martin has identified 6 Scottish golf clubs that didn't produce a marker until they celebrated their Centenaries. If you wanted to know about the others, or indeed any help with your collection of Scottish markers, contact the BMCC specialist:  Martin 204 Lincs  through the Ed. 

First club visited was Thornhill were I picked up two markers. The marker is still the same small brass and still from the same jar from behind the counter only now they wanted £2 each for them, sign of the times I guess. I next called in at Sanquhar a small 9 hole course; I don't think they will ever do markers as the club has less than 100 members. We broke our journey at New Cumnock to play this 9 holes course. It was very scenic, but as at Sanquhar too small to do markers. Most of us have "Abertay production" for these two clubs. I was round in 41.

 On the Monday we played Bellisle everyone has this marker, but again the price had gone up to £2. I was round on this Parkland Course in 79, first time I have been below 80 for some time. I also called at Dalmilling while in the area; they don't believe they will do markers again, so for those of us who have them the value has just gone up. On the way back to the hotel I called in at Royal Troon, this is rated the most expensive Course to play in Scotland and it has a Pro's shop to match. They have a new standard marker which is large silver one with a coloured shield in the centre and priced at £3. They also have these "glitter" markers at £5. Minimum price for shirts was £64. I bought nothing.

 Tuesday we went to play Girvan which is a short 18 hole course half by the sea and half parkland and was round in 75 (65 was par). The markers here were still only £1, but of course we all have this one. On the way I called in at Maybole which is a very short 9 hole course and they will never have markers, most of us again have "non genuine issues". At Prestwick St. Nicholas they have moved on to the large flat markers and they cost £2.50 each, three were purchased for those that don’t have them.

 On the Wednesday we went up to West Kilbride which is a really nice links course. Two markers purchased at £2 each.  I got back to normal form with the golf and amassed 95 shots to get round. On the way back I called in at Dundonald and picked up five markers, again the price was £2 for this stem marker. I also called in at Ravenspark were a few years ago I managed to buy a few sets of their centenary goods. The Pro said they won't do markers as long as he is there, bit of a miserable 'b_____d ' really. I called in at Northern Gailes which is a short course and has been taken over by the Americans so there might be hope for the future here. The municipal courses of Lochgreen, Darley & Fullarton which all use the one club house are still having their three names put on the one marker so I just picked just one up.

  Thursday we played Seafield which is an interesting parkland course, round in 81, regrettable they have ceased doing markers. For those of you who still need this marker they continue to be offered on ebay but it will cost you about £6 ‘with one sellers’ ridiculous p & p charges. So shop carefully. I also managed to call in at Prestwick St. Cuthbert and picked up a couple at £1.50 each. Talking to a local golfer in the car park I managed to swap one of my spares for a Ballockmyle marker.

 I am aware the recent increase in our exchange costs seemed a bit steep, but over the week I bought 15 markers at an average cost of £2.03 each and Scotland traditionally has been one of the cheaper areas to buy them.

 Despite an extremely poor long range weather prediction, we enjoyed a rain free week and if anyone is considering going to this area then I would strongly recommend you look at staying at the South Beach Hotel in Troon. This is very much a "golfers" hotel. The rooms are large, the food is excellent and plentiful, the owner, Stewart Watts is a golfer and his knowledge of the area is very good, he knows all the deals that are going on with the golf clubs and will of course arrange the golf for you. Price for Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal was around £53.

 That’s it for now.

 Martin