Are You Sure Those Are Authentic Golf Pictures?

If you love golf memorabilia and collectibles, you’ve certainly seen dozens of websites offering golf pictures and golf autographs for sale. They all claim to be authentic and most offer a Certificate of Authenticity. If you search on eBay and other auction sites, you’ll find even more dealers offering “genuine” golf course art and golf photos – often with stories of how they came to own these rare golf collectibles. At the same time, the incidence of fraudulent sports memorabilia is rising, thanks in part to how easy the Internet makes it to sell memorabilia of all types. How can you be sure that the golf pictures and golf autographs you buy are authentic and the signatures are genuine? These tips will help you avoid buying fake autographs and memorabilia.

Ask for Third Party Authentication

A Certificate of Authenticity is only as good as the authority that provides it. Face it, anyone can print up a fake certificate – but there are highly-regarded companies who make it their business to authenticate sports memorabilia. Do some research and learn which companies have a good reputation in authenticating golf pictures and other golf memorabilia. That way you’ll know whether that third party authentication is worth the paper it’s printed on.

Know Your Stuff

Knowledgeable collectors can often spot a fake if they know the sport well.  If, for example, you know that a particular golfer only signed autographs at events run by a specific promoter in 2002, you’ll know immediately that the guy trying to sell you a 2002 photo signed by that golfer at a different event is trying to scam you. The more you know about golf, tournaments and golfers, the more likely you are to spot fake golf autographs.

Check the Reputation

If you’re thinking of buying golf autographs or golf art from a dealer you don’t know, check around with other collectors and dealers. Most collectors who have been around for a while are familiar with the reputable dealers of golf memorabilia, and know those that have shady reputations. Like any community, the members tend to look out for one another, so take advantage of it.

Buy from Dealers You Know

The best way to make sure that the golf memorabilia and golf pictures you buy are genuine is to only buy from dealers you know and trust. Not only will you always know that the items you’re buying are genuine, you can also cultivate a relationship with someone who will let you know when they come across a piece of golf art or a golf autograph that will fill out your collection.