Tips for Collecting Golf Art

Golf art is rapidly becoming one of the most popular collectibles. Golf course autographs, vintage golf photos and signed photos of famous golfers are just a few of the many different types of golf art and golf memorabilia you might choose to collect. If you’re considering starting a collection of golf memorabilia or art, consider these tips to help you build a satisfying and attractive collection.
Theme Your Collection
Collections that revolve around a theme are often more valuable than eclectic collections. There are so many different ways that you could theme your golf art collection that it would be impossible to name them all. You can choose to collect Masters Tournament golf memorabilia, for example, or confine your collection to paintings by a famous golf artist like Linda Hartough or Marci Rule. You might decide to collect paintings of each of the holes at Augusta, or choose different interpretations of the same hole by different artists. Rule and Hartough have both painted Augusta #12 and many other holes at famous gold courses, for example.
Appearance Matters
When you look for golf collectibles, remember that appearance and quality are important. Don’t settle for unframed golf pics, or worse, golf photos in cheap plastic frames. There are well-known, respected dealers who create beautiful collections of golf art and one-of-a-kind framed pieces of memorabilia using museum quality wood and materials. It’s about more than just good looks, though. High-quality framing and archival mats help preserve and protect your acquisitions.
Signatures Add Value
Photos of famous golfers are a great choice for game room décor. Golf autographs and signed golf photos are even more valuable. An authentic signature can greatly increase the value of the golf memorabilia you purchase and collect.
Authentication Is Vital
No matter how cool something seems to be, without authentication, it’s pretty much worthless. Your best option for ensuring that you’re buying genuine golf memorabilia and golf autographs is to always purchase your items from a reputable dealer. When a well-known and respected dealer authenticates a pin flag from the Masters Tournament or an autograph of one of the legends of golf, you can be certain that it is authentic.
Buy What You Like
No matter what experts recommend, you’re the one who has to live with your purchases. Choose artwork that you like or golf photos that speak to you. Golf art encompasses everything from vintage advertisements to golf cartoons and pictures of a golf course, so you’re sure to find something that you’ll want on your wall.

Know Your Golf Art

Whether you’re decorating a boardroom or your den, golf art is an excellent choice. Golf pictures are accessible to both golfers and non-golfers. A picture of a golf course on the wall of an office waiting room is an attractive landscape painting even to those who don’t know that it’s a Linda Hartough painting of Augusta #12. For golf enthusiasts, recognizing some of the most famous golf courses in the world is an added pleasure to your golf room décor. There are a number of excellent artists and photographers who paint, print and photograph golf scenes, from golf course pictures to golfer photos. But should you choose an original golf painting, a golf course photo or a golf print? Understanding the difference can help you choose the golf collectibles and golf art that suits you, your tastes and your budget the best.
Golf Course Art
There are many different ways to put a picture of a golf course on your walls: paintings, prints, photographs and reproductions are the most common. Original artwork is generally the most expensive because an original painting is one of a kind. Most golf artists, however, release their golf course art as prints in limited, signed print editions. Prints may be made via various types of plates or through digital printing. In either case, signed edition prints of golf course paintings by such artists as Linda Hartough and Marci Rule are considered “originals,” because, unlike copies or reproductions, there are slight variations that make each numbered print slightly different from all the other prints in the series.
Golf Autographs
Autographs are among the most popular type of memorabilia in any sport, and golf is no exception. Autographed golfer photos are extremely popular as bar décor,  golf room décor or décor for a golf club dining room or boardroom. The available autographs range from legends of golf like Jack Nicklaus and Robert “Bobby” Jones to celebrity golfers, like Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason, who were more famous for their other roles. Golf autographs are highly sought by collectors, especially if the autographs are on fairly rare photos. Some of the most popular golfer photos are those of well-known golfers at pivotal moments in their careers, or celebrating their wins at the Masters, or the U.S. or British Open tournaments.
Golf Memorabilia
Classic golfer photos and golf course photos can be turned into works of art suitable for the executive boardroom by combining them into display pieces. There are dealers who specialize in creating specialty golf art that incorporates famous golf pics with golf course pictures and memorabilia pieces, such as pin flags and badges. Each of these is a unique creation that will grace the walls of your meeting room, den or club with the beauty, grace and competitive spirit that is the game of golf.

Practical Tips for Collectors of Golf Pictures and Memorabilia

Do you love golf? If you’re a long-time golf fan, you may have thought about collecting golf memorabilia or even golf pictures of one sort or another. If you’ve been thinking about creating a collection of golf collectibles, these practical tips can help you ensure that your golf pictures, golf art and golf memorabilia is one worth having and displaying.

What Is Golf Memorabilia?

Golf memorabilia encompasses almost anything to do with the celebrity side of golf – golfer autographs, paintings of famous golf courses, photographs of the legends of golf, autographed flags from various golf tournaments, golf cartoons and golf art all qualify. Autographed golfer photos are among the most popular golf collectibles, particularly those signed by legendary golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Robert “Bobby” Jones. These are some of the most popular types of golf memorabilia available on the market today.

Golf Course Art

Decorate a den or executive dining room with a beautiful picture of a golf course. Paintings by famous golf artists like Linda Hartough or Marci Rule are both golf pictures and beautiful landscapes in their own right. Both women have painted well-known series that include some of the best-known holes on the most famous golf courses in the world, such as Augusta #12, the Golden Bell hole at Augusta National Golf Club. If you choose to concentrate on collecting golf course art, get to know the best painters and look for signed and numbered limited series.

Golfer Photographs

Photographs of famous golfers are always popular with collectors – and never as popular as when they include golfer autographs. Many of the most wanted golf pictures include golf legends in the middle of a golf swing, addressing the ball or snapped at the end of their swing follow-through. In fact, photos of the Ben Hogan golf swing are among the most reproduced golf pictures of all time. The most valuable photographs are those that have not been widely circulated, or that have a special significance, such as the photograph of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer settling up on a bet on the golf course.

Golfer Autographs

Golf photos aren’t the only type of autographed golf memorabilia. Course flags from the Masters Tournament and many other golf tournaments often end up in framed displays, often bearing the signatures of the tournament winners alongside a photo of the golfer taken during the tournament. These golf collectibles tend to have a high value because there are only a few of them available each year. If you’re considering buying an autographed piece of golf memorabilia, be sure to have the signature authenticated.

In addition to golfer photographs and golf course art, there are humorous golf pictures, golf advertisements and golf cartoons. Any of them could fit into the decorating scheme of your family room, den or golf room. If you’re in the market for any type of golf memorabilia, work with a respected dealer who can provide you with certificates of authenticity.

Golf Pictures Make Great Game Room Décor

Are you redecorating a game room or designing a man room for your favorite man? When it comes to finding artwork for the walls, consider the many types of golf pictures that are a perfect fit with most game room décor. Golf memorabilia, golf autographs and golf pictures can add an upscale touch of class to your den, game room or man cave. Here are just a few ideas for game room décor incorporating golf art and photos.

Golf Course Pictures

Golf courses feature some of the most stunning scenery in the world. If you like landscapes, a picture of a golf course could be the ideal accent for the spot above the bar or the sofa. There are golf course photographs of many of the best-known and highly rated greens in the world, as well as golf art painted by well-known golf artists such as Linda Hartough or Marci Rule.

Golfer Photos

You can choose from a huge selection of photos of the legends of golf, many of the including the golfer autographs. There are newspaper photos, publicity photos and award photos of such famed golfers as Jack Nicklaus, Robert “Bobby” Jones, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. Many golf memorabilia dealers offer prints of these photos framed, unframed and in collections, often with a theme and complete with autograph.

Golf Cartoons

There are a few well-known golf cartoonists who poke gentle fun at some of the best-known stereotypical golfers. Framed golf cartoons, signed by the artist and often numbered in a series, are more than just game room décor – they’re golf collectibles in their own right and would fit into many types of collections.

Vintage Golf Pictures

Golf is one of the few sports that has been an acceptable pursuit for “ladies” since at least the turn of the last century. Give your golf room décor a feminine touch with vintage golf memorabilia taken from the pages of some of the most popular women’s magazines from the 1890s to the 1920s.

Golf Plaques

Have a little fun decorating your golf room with whimsical golf art and plaques designed to bring a smile. Most dealers who sell high-quality, genuine golf memorabilia also often sell less expensive plaques, statues and other types of décor designed for golf lovers.

Golf pictures are a versatile, attractive and classy addition to your game room or golf room décor. From golf course art to whimsical statues, you’re sure to find just the right accent piece to complete the decoration in your room.

Five Things to Consider When Buying Golf Pictures

Golf pictures make great holiday gifts for collectors and golf enthusiasts. A lovely piece of golf course art can be the perfect finishing touch for a professional office, private dining room in a golf club or your game room. From home décor to investment potential, there are many reasons that people buy golf pictures. If you’re shopping around for golf art, either for yourself or as a gift, keep these five things in mind before you make your purchase.

Is It the Real Deal?

Golf autographs can be valuable, which brings a lot of scammers out of the woodwork. Whether you’re planning to buy Robert “Bobby” Jones golf course autographs, Linda Hartough golf course art or autographed golfer photos, always do business with reputable dealers who can provide authentication for your purchase.

Does It Fit the Décor in the Room?

Unless you’re specifically shopping for golf room décor, you may have some concerns about how well a particular piece of golf memorabilia or golf art fits into your home décor. The best golf art dealers provide golf pictures, golf photos and other types of golf memorabilia in a variety of frames, cases and settings that accent a wide range of styles. Shop around for pieces that suit your style, and if you don’t see a framing style you like, reach out to the dealer and ask. Often, a really good dealer will custom frame your choices, especially if you’re buying an unframed piece.

Speaking of Frames…

The frame, case or other setting for your golf pictures is more than just a pretty addition to your purchase. The right mat and frames are essential to providing protection for your precious golf photos and golf pictures. Always check to see if the dealer uses museum quality mats and other high-quality framing materials.

Is the Price Reasonable?

Prices for golf pictures, golf art and golf autographs are subjective, but that doesn’t mean that you should pay more than you have to. Some golf pictures are absolutely one-of-a-kind and you won’t find them anywhere but at one particular dealer. In that case, expect that you’ll pay a hefty price for the rarity. Most other golf art and golf autographs have a limited availability – they may be limited edition prints or be part of a signed series. You’ll often find similar or identical pieces at a number of different golf memorabilia dealers. When that happens, you may find a variety of prices.

Reputation Is Everything

When you’re shopping around, keep a few things in mind. An unusually low price for golf pictures is a warning signal. If someone is selling a picture of a golf course by Marci Rule for half the price you’ve seen it elsewhere, there’s something fishy. Buying from random strangers on eBay and other auction sites is asking for trouble. Reputable golf art dealers – guys that have been around for years and built a reputation for honesty and fair dealing – won’t risk their business selling you counterfeit golf art. Your best choice is always to buy golf art and collectibles from a well-known, reputable dealer.

Choosing Golf Pictures to Accent Your Game Room

What golf fan would love to be surrounded by golf memorabilia and golf pictures in a favorite room of the house? If you’re choosing game room décor, there are many different types of golf pictures that you can bring into the mix. Whether your tastes run to a lovely picture of a golf course or you prefer photos of historic moments in the lives of the legends of golf, you’re bound to find the perfect centerpiece when you choose golf room décor that includes golf cartoons, golfer photos or golf course art. Here’s a quick look at some of the best examples of golf pictures available through reputable dealers of golf memorabilia.

Golfer Photos

From vintage photos to contemporary golf news, there’s no lack of photos of the legends of golf with which to decorate your den or golf room. If you’re a fan of the classics, look for Ben Hogan golf swing series of photographs. Used as the basis for the sketches in Hogan’s own book, the series of photographs documents Hogan’s famous form from address to follow-through. Whether you choose one of the series or find a framed collection that includes three or more positions, the Ben Hogan golf swing photos are classic pieces of golf memorabilia.

Of course, Hogan isn’t the only one of the well-known legends of golf to be immortalized in famous golf pics. You’re bound to find unsigned and autographed photos of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Robert “Bobby”Jones, Babe Didrikson and so many more when you start poking around on sites that sell golf photos and golf memorabilia.

Golf Course Art

While many golfers are larger-than-life personalities, the true legends of golf are often the courses on which they play. Golf course autographs are very popular atmospheric photos in offices, boardrooms and private homes. The best golf course art manages to capture both the beauty of the landscape and the intricacies of the individual holes they portray. Among  the most popular golf course paintings are those of Augusta, the home of the Masters Tournament. Famed golf artists Linda Hartough and Marci Rule have each produced paintings of Augusta #12, for example, that show the lay and the pitch from different angles and at different times of day. Both are beautiful paintings that portray the famed golf hole in very different styles and conditions.

If you prefer a lighter mood for your game room décor, consider golf pictures from earlier times, particularly golf cartoons and golf pictures used for advertising in the early part of the last century. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find the perfect piece of golf art to finish off your game room in style.

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.