It was between passing out and downing my last gulp of green ale this past weekend when I thought about all the memories I’ve had on the golf course. The game of golf is synonymous with history, legends, and lore. It’s one of the reasons why I love the game so much.
So I’ve been feeling nostalgic and reminiscent as of late. Maybe it’s because the Bay Hill Invitational took place this past weekend and the tournament conjures up such great imagery of past champions. Or, maybe it’s because at the tournaments helm is one of golf’s most endearing icons. Possibly, it’s because the feeling of spring is finally here, which conjures up thoughts of great rounds that have long since passed. Then again, someone could have slipped something into my Smithwicks and I’m having some trippy flashbacks. Whatever the reason, here are some great sites that will help you remember the history and memories of our beloved game.
Hole 1: Golf-Art
Nothing conjures up the mystique of golf quite like a painting or photograph of your favorite players of the past or present. Golf-Art has a great collection of print media to accentuate any wall in your home or office. [link]
Hole 2: The London Cigarette Card Company
This company sells a multitude of both original and reproduced sets of cigarette cards, some dating back a hundred years. Within its inventory, they have dozens of golf sets which capture the likes of Hagen, Jones, Morris, Vardon and of course Woods, just to name a few. [link]
Hole 3: Antique Golf
This quaint little site offers either the golf club enthusiast or novice an opportunity to purchase some cherished antique clubs via an online auction. [link]
Hole 4: Tee Time Lounge
If you’re feeling a little retro, and you’re in need of a few odds and ends for your living room, den, or bedroom, these folks put together some sharp looking tables, chairs, and lamps. [link]
Hole 5: The Golf Ball Museum
Are you curious to see how the golf ball evolved? Well, the people over at the Golf Ball Museum would like to give you a little lesson on its history. They also have some items to sell as well. [link]
Hole 6: Linda Hartough
You may never have heard of Linda before, but she paints a mean lookin’ picture. Her landscape portraits of some of golf’s most notorious holes and courses are a splendid mix of realism and fantasy. Although her originals and prints are a tad over my budget, she also offers some lower priced pieces. Note to the reader: Harbour Town Golf Links uses Linda’s rendition of the 18th on their scorecard. [link]
Hole 7: Golf Course Pictures.com
Curt Carlson has assembled a great collection of golf course photographs from around the United States. You can choose a city or state, then choose the course you want to take a look at. I was a little dissapointed when I searched through Ohio, and only found one course listed. Hopefully, that will be rectified soon. [link]
Hole 8: Northwest Gifts
What drew me to this site is the collection of golf ball display racks. I started collecting logo balls mid year in 2005 and have slowly accumulated a small collection. Some of the display cases that Northwest offer are really clever. [link]
Hole 9: The World Golf Hall of Fame
Before I die, I want to do two things. Take a trip to St. Andrews of course and play a few rounds in Scotland and visit the Hall of Fame in St. Augustine. What more could a golf enthusiast ask for? The Hall is a collection of accounts, profiles, and memories of all those who have contributed so much to the game of golf. You gotta’ make this trip. [link]