Vintage golf balls have always had religious collectors who are mostly serious golfers. A sense of exclusivity that these balls give to their owner makes these balls special. To a layman, the prices for these golf balls may seem too exorbitant, as true appreciation of their value can rarely be realized by non-golfers. There are several reasons that make these golf balls special. As with coins (those collected by enthusiasts) and wine, the most important defining aspect of vintage golf balls is their age. The older these balls are, the rarer they become. This rarity leads to its high value, which translates into high prices. Professional golfers and fans who are fascinated by the game are elated at the prospect of owning a piece of golf history.
Recalling the numismatics example mentioned above, the geographic location of these balls, just like that of the coins, also plays a vital role in determining their value. Collectors often like to collect balls from different regions of the world as it adds a global touch to their collection set. Antique golf balls also include golf balls made exclusively for certain commemorative functions. Historicity here plays an important role. Since the advent of customization, numerous sets of custom golf balls have also been manufactured and have become collector’s items and gained the distinction of being vintage golf balls.
Due to its high value, many fake vintage balls are making the rounds in the market today. The internet is also flooded with websites selling fake vintage balls using deceptive advertisements. Therefore, care must be taken when making a purchase of antique balls. As far as possible, only reputable dealers should be contacted to avoid feeling cheated after the deal is done.