The Golf Heritage Society

Honoring and Preserving the History of the Game
Join Today

The Golf Heritage Society

Honoring and Preserving the History of the Game
Join Today

The Golf Heritage Society

Honoring and Preserving the History of the Game
Join Today

The Golf Heritage Society

Honoring and Preserving the History of the Game
Join Today

The Golf Heritage Society

Honoring and Preserving the History of the Game
Join Today
introduction to the GHS

You're Invited to the Party!

For over 50 years our members have bonded over their intense passion for the ‘Royal & Ancient’ game, especially while uncovering its rich history and appreciating a wide array of its intriguing artifacts.  Our members include collectors, authors, course architects, superintendents, hickory, classic and modern equipment players, and all those interested in this grand game. Seasoned collectors and accomplished writers network with other members sharing their knowledge as recognized experts in their field.  Members are invited to historic venues, trade shows and seminars, while making lasting friendships. Won’t you join us on a remarkable adventure that is sure to expand your horizons and enjoyment of the game  

Photo: GHS members at Oakmont’s Clubhouse

with over 50 years of excellence - the ghs opens doors

You're Invited to the Party!

The Golf Heritage Society welcomes all who love the game and appreciate its history and traditions.  Collectors, Historians, Writers, Architects, and Players.

  • Collecting Golf’s memorabilia has long been at our core, as we relish “holding history in our hands”.  Numerous areas of interest are noted within these pages, any of which might speak to your passion. You will be inspired by others who share your excitement.  Learn from experts or share your expertise with new recruits, all while you discover pathways to acquiring or selling golf’s artifacts for pleasure or profit.
  • Writers and Historians collect information from our extensive archives but especially through networking with members happy to share their own discoveries.  Our authors are highly appreciated so we strive to promote their works to a wider audience. 
  • Events you can’t find anywhere else. From national conventions to regional gatherings and other GHS members-only events, enjoy face-to-face with leading authors, architects, and figures in the game. Play in tournaments at special venues with hickory, classic or modern clubs, with individual play and scrambles too.
  • Knowledge, Stories, and “The Golf”.  Members gain access to a rich exchange of ideas, research and storytelling highlighted by “The Golf”, our acclaimed quarterly publication, and all of its past issues, plus frequent Zoom invites with authorities on history, collecting, or what’s in the news, plus the monthly Newswire.     
  • The camaraderie is real and the connections can extend for a lifetime. Many find true friends that will invite you to their homes or private clubs and sometimes to venues you’d only dream of visiting. Expand your horizons. 

You don’t need a large collection or expert credentials — just a love for the game and its heritage.  And a desire to be part of something special.

Photo: GHS members at Oakmont’s Clubhouse

 

SPECIAL OFFER! – JOIN the GHS and receive the acclaimed book “The Making of the Masters” by David Owen.  David was granted unprecedented access to the archives of Augusta National and produced an honest and affectionate chronicle of the Masters, and a fascinating portrayal of Clifford Roberts — whose perseverance and pride forged the Augusta National we know today.  

This soft cover volume (retail value of $19.99) will be delivered ABSOLUTELY FREE and without shipping charge to the next 50 new members.


introduction to the GHS

You're Invited to the Party!

 For over 50 years our members have bonded over their intense passion for the ‘Royal & Ancient’ game, especially while uncovering its rich history and appreciating a wide array of its intriguing artifacts.  Our members include collectors, authors, course architects, superintendents, hickory, classic and modern equipment players, and all those interested in this grand game. Seasoned collectors and accomplished writers network with other members sharing their knowledge as recognized experts in their fields.  Members are invited to historic venues, trade shows and seminars, while making lasting friendships. Won’t you join us on a remarkable adventure that is sure to expand your horizons and enjoyment of the game  

Photo: GHS Members at Oakmont’s Clubhouse

introduction to the GHS

You're Invited to the Party!

 For over 50 years our members have bonded over their intense passion for the ‘Royal & Ancient’ game, especially while uncovering its rich history and appreciating a wide array of its intriguing artifacts.  Our members include collectors, authors, course architects, superintendents, hickory, classic and modern equipment players, and all those interested in this grand game. Seasoned collectors and accomplished writers network with other members sharing their knowledge as recognized experts in their fields.  Members are invited to historic venues, trade shows and seminars, while making lasting friendships. Won’t you join us on a remarkable adventure that is sure to expand your horizons and enjoyment of the game  

Photo Above: GHS Members at Oakmont’s Clubhouse

 

SPECIAL OFFER!!  — JOIN the GHS and receive the acclaimed book  “The Making Of The Masters” by David Owen.  David was granted unprecedented access to the archives of Augusta National GC and produced an honest and affectionate chronicle of the Masters, from its conception to its modern greatness, and a fascinating portrayal of Clifford Roberts – whose perseverance and pride forged the Augusta National we know today.  

This soft cover volume (retail value of $19.99) is ABSOLUTELY FREE and without shipping charges to the next 50 new members.

NASHVILLE GOLF COLLECTIBLES TRADE SHOW

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Thursday 10/16, 3 -9 pm
Friday 10/17, 9am - Noon

GHS members and guests will enjoy the 2025 National Convention near the Music City from October 14-17.

Activities include hickory golf at Shelby Golf Course and more golf at Hermitage Golf course using the weapons of your choice (hickory, or persimmon and blades, or modern clubs).  As well as numerous Educational Sessions, two special events, the Annual Banquet and our famed Golf Collectibles Trade Show – the largest display of golf memorabilia for trade or sale on the planet.

Visitors are welcome to attend the Trade Show free of charge on Thursday and Friday.  They are also encouraged to bring any item to learn about its significance and value, or sell it to experts at the show.

Consider joining the GHS and registering for the full schedule of events where we share our passion for all things golf and make friendships for a lifetime.  See the full itinerary here

once-in-a-li

Once In A Lifetime Golf Experiences - Bid Now

GHS members are offering some of their most exclusive home courses to a threesome to play with a member.  They include 9 PAST AND CURRENT U.S. OPEN VENUES:

Play Oakmont CC, Merion GC East, Baltustrol GC Lower, Colonial CC, Colorado GC & The Broadmor GC, Southhampton GC, Secession GC, Bayonne GC, Scioto CC, Columbia CC, Worcester CC, Cantebury GC, Shady Oaks CC, Brae Burn CC, or Wannamossett CC.

 Either Buy It Now today or bid before Sunday June 15 at 9pm. The GHS supports the First Tee, the Annual Optimist Youth Tournament, and other local efforts including Adapt FORE Vet Golf.  

The Member's Corner ???

Members sharing their collections (video and print).  Member video interviews.

Can we have the buttons below go to Vimeo videos with a play button or via a See More link to a blog?

Can we have more than three by COPYING THE BLOG TEMPLATE which has a read all button below?

A Smattering of Women’s U.S. Open History

The following article on Women’s U.S. Open Golf History is reprinted with permission. Rick Woelfel is an accomplished golf journalist and author whose blog on ...
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The life and times of golf course architect William Diddel

In this article, golf historian Curt Fredrixon explores the life and work of William H. Diddel, a founding member of the American Society of Golf ...
Read More

Member and Author John Riley Debuts New Book “A Will to Win”

GHS member and author John Riley has a new book that covers the life and career of legendary Philadelphia amateur Bill Hyndman. Titled A Will ...
Read More

Spring Visit to Historic Merion

The date is March 23, 2024, and the occasion is a visit to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. The day will be hosted by ...
Read More

Plastic tees banned from British course

Comes a story from Great Britain on the banning of plastic tees. Whether you like them or hate them, plastic tees have been the subject ...
Read More

Key News & Events

We have an active calendar of events across the year. Here are some key items we want to highlight.

We have an active calendar of events across the year. Here are some key items we want to highlight.

A Smattering of Women’s U.S. Open History

The following article on Women’s U.S. Open Golf History is reprinted with permission. Rick Woelfel is an accomplished golf journalist and author whose blog on ...
Read More

The life and times of golf course architect William Diddel

In this article, golf historian Curt Fredrixon explores the life and work of William H. Diddel, a founding member of the American Society of Golf ...
Read More

Member and Author John Riley Debuts New Book “A Will to Win”

GHS member and author John Riley has a new book that covers the life and career of legendary Philadelphia amateur Bill Hyndman. Titled A Will ...
Read More

Spring Visit to Historic Merion

The date is March 23, 2024, and the occasion is a visit to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. The day will be hosted by ...
Read More

Plastic tees banned from British course

Comes a story from Great Britain on the banning of plastic tees. Whether you like them or hate them, plastic tees have been the subject ...
Read More
your invitation to a GHS Grand zoom

PGA Winner Hal Sutton
& David Mackesey

Hal Sutton has become a friend of the GHS and is pleased to be part of the GHS Grand Zoom series. Hal was selected as Golf Magazines College Player of the Year in 1980, was the PGA Tour’s Rookie of the year in 1982 and Player of the Year in 1983, the year he won the PGA Championship.  And can we forget his Players Championship wins in 1983 and in 2000 when beating Tiger with his 6-iron approach on the 72nd hole while urging “Be the right club. Be the right club today!”.  

David Alan Mackesey is the retired president of one of the world’s largest wine companies.  Currently the Club Historian for the Diablo CC in Diablo, CA and the overseas historian for the famed Carnoustie Golf Club.  David appreciated above all other bidders one particular auction lot and came to possess one of the greatest sleeper collectibles of all time.

 

Key News & Events

We have an active calendar of events across the year. 

The National Convention

The 2024 convention in Pinehurst, NC with its 100 Booth Trade Show, Educational Sessions, Golf Tournament and Banquet was a great success.
The 2025 National in Nashville, TN on October 14 -17 was a wonderful experience with two golf tournaments, numerous educational sessions, an unforgettable afternoon at Golf House Tennessee and our famed Trade Show.

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Regional Events

Visits to Historic Merion Golf Club, Playing Latrobe Country Club, Tour of Oakmont Country Club, Regional Shows and Golf. Follow our Events Page

David Owens Zoom

GHS News...

Enjoy David Owen's interview from the GHS Grand Zoom Series where he reveals details about the Making of the Masters. A fascinating and relaxing dive into golf history.

Just a Few of Our Collecting Categories

What are you passionate about? Our members are deeply engaged across all aspects of the history of the Royal and Ancient game, including…

Scotty Cameron Putters

Flags & Tickets

All Golf Collecting Areas - in Main Menu

GHS Virtual Golf Museum

GHS members relish the thrill of the hunt and “Holding History in Our Hands” as we discover and preserve the artifacts of the game. Enjoy this sampling of some of our members personal favorites…

Olympict trophy held vertical

Exhibit 1

1904 Olympic Golf Trophy

1899 Program

Exhibit 2

Full Program of the 1899 US Amateur

Screenshot

Exhibit 3

Ben Hogan in the 1960 US Open

The ghs recognizes historic clubs

“GOLF’S GREAT HERITAGE CLUBS” –   Click here

 

And if your club’s 100th Anniversary is around the corner and you would like some help planning your celebration, please reach out to us.

From Issues of The Golf

Our information-packed quarterly periodical has been in constant publication since 1970 with all issues archived for member use.

The Origins of Golf

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Collecting Golf Ceramics

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Upcoming Content: Autumn 2024 Issue

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From Our Blog

Our blog has a constant stream of valuable articles on golf’s rich heritage. Choose a search term for additional personally relevant content:

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: THE MATCH PLAY ERA

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: THE MATCH PLAY ERA Golf’s second major of the year, the PGA Championship, is slated for May 14-17, 2026 at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ...
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The Golf Clubs Collectors Chase Most

The Golf Clubs Collectors Chase Most   There are golf collectibles that sit nicely on a shelf. There are others that tell a story the ...
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The Walter Hagen Cup

The Walter Hagen Cup and the PGA Professionals Who Carry Golf’s History Forward   The PGA Professional Championship started in 1968, with Howell Fraser winning ...
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The Artifacts That Tell Golf’s Working Story – and PGA medals

Collecting the Club Professional: The Artifacts That Tell Golf’s Working Story   Walter Hagen’s 1927 PGA winners’ medal marks his final PGA Championship victory, bookending ...
Read More

The Chevron Championship’s Long Journey to Major Status

The Chevron Championship’s Long Journey to Major Status     For many golf fans, the Chevron Championship will always be “The Dinah,” and that says ...
Read More

The Featherie Still Stops Golf Collectors in Their Tracks

The Featherie Still Stops Golf Collectors in Their Tracks     Feather ball made by Wm. Robertson. GHS.   Few golf collectibles feel as connected ...
Read More
Member Highlight

Philip Truett

Philip is a resident of Walton-on-the-Hill, England and a lifelong GHS member. He was such a fan of the GHS that he co-founded the British Golf Collectors Society in 1987, using our organization as a blueprint. Here, Philip examines a book from his astonishing collection of rare volumes.

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