Neil Sahene
I think I began collecting golf about eight or nine years ago. And sometimes I wonder when I became a serious collector. It wasn’t the time I spent $10,000.00 on a golf club because I haven’t done that, at least not yet. But maybe it was the time I drove from Pittsburgh to Dayton and back in one day to meet Bob Kuntz and see his workshop. Or maybe it was the time we drove to Philadelphia and back, again in one day, to attend Chick Evan’s golf auction. But maybe it happened on the way to Hartford, Connecticut for the weekend to attend Will Roberto’s auction. Believe it or not, I could go on. If this sounds familiar, you may also be a serious collector. Especially if one of the best parts of Christmas for you is knowing that the Dayton Trade Fair is right around the corner.
For me collecting golf arose from a general interest in antiques and a passion for the game. It was a natural development and combined two of my interests into one activity. Collecting golf also provided a way to enjoy golf in another way other than playing and following the pros. I guess my collection could be described as eclectic since I am attracted to many things in the golf collectibles universe. As of yet I am unable to focus on a specific category. I like clubs, balls and tees, those things associated with playing the game. But I am also attracted to pottery, toys, glassware and books. Not to mention old prints and ephemera such as postcards. In addition, since I live in Pittsburgh, I began collecting Oakmont memorabilia. There are also a few, well maybe a little more than a few, old tins, trophies, games, puzzles and practice devices to be found.
Like everyone else who collects, I have made my mistakes. I paid more for some things than I should have, passed up some things I wish I would have acquired and bought things that afterward, I can’t figure out why. But also, like everyone else I have had my successes. The things that I got a great deal on, the things that I found in the antique shop before someone else got to it and the things that are selling now for a lot more than I paid for them. I guess the successes and failures are both part of collecting. The great buys wouldn’t be as much fun without a few mistakes and disappointments along the way.
But, in addition to getting the good buy or finding a special piece, there are many other aspects of collecting that I enjoy. Some of them were a surprise. I love the stories associated with finding a special item. Everyone who collects has a few good stories about their favorite things and how they were found. Meeting and getting to know people who share your collecting interests is also very enjoyable. Other members have expressed this as one of the most rewarding aspects of collecting and I wholeheartedly agree. And I think in our own way we are preserving the history and traditions of the great game of golf. I like being part of that and the Golf Collectors Society.
From Pittsburgh, home of Arnie, Oakmont and the Steelers I am…
Sincerely yours,
Neil Sahene