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.

How to Buy Golf Pictures

Whether you’re decorating your home, your business or a public space, golf pictures are among the most versatile art pieces you can choose. There are many different types and categories of golf pics available, including collectible golfer photos, golf course art and framed golf memorabilia. Choosing the right golf art for your walls depends a lot on your desired effect, but these ideas can help you choose the best golf pictures for your golf room, family room or the dining room at the club.

Golf Room Décor

If you’re decorating a game room or den with a golf theme, look to golf memorabilia and golf autographs for your room décor. This is the place to show off your collectibles. Pictures of one of more of the legends of golf are right at home on the walls of a man cave, so if you see an autographed photo of Robert “Bobby” Jones, Ben Hogan or Jack Nicklaus, grab at it. If you’re looking for something even more impressive, consider the impact of framed golf memorabilia, such as a pin flag display, with a pin flag from the Masters or another famous tournament and golf autographs framed together.

Golf Pictures for the Office

Are you looking for the perfect piece of art to hang above the sofa in your office waiting room? Golf landscapes are the perfect office décor. Golf course art includes both photographs and paintings or prints of some of the most beautiful and famous landscapes in the world of art. Accent a pair of facing walls with two different views of Augusta #12, one of the most respected golf holes in the country, or create a focal point with a stunning view of the clubhouse at St. Andrews at sunrise or a full rainbow over the clubhouse at Augusta National. Whether you choose photographs or golf art from such renowned artists as Linda Hartough and Marci Rule, golf landscapes are the ideal accent for your office walls.

Golf Cartoons for the Sports Bar

Bring a touch of humor to the décor in your game room or your sports bar with golf cartoons that will make everyone, golfer and non-golfer, smile. Autographed golf pictures by cartoonists such as Ben Lightfoot. The well-known golf artist combines photographs of some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world with quirky cartoon golfers who find themselves in awkward – but oh, so familiar – familiar situations. They’re the ideal choice for places where you want a lighter, more humorous decorating touch.

Choosing the right golf pictures for your needs is as much a matter of finding art that you like as it is following rules, but understanding the mood you’re trying to invoke in your room can help you choose golf art that fits the style of your rooms.