The Great Golf Collections of the World includes 24 sections that display collectibles amassed by individuals. While some are broad-based and others are thematic or specialized, they all possess one common theme--only the very best. Virtually all the collections have been cultivated and enhanced over several decades--no amateurs here! Among the collections is the largest private golf book library in the world—over 22,000 volumes, the lifetime accumulation of golf's most renowned professional, who bears the title of a nobleman, and a superb collection of golf-themed art that is a museum in itself. There are also fascinating collections built by enthusiasts that are experts in singular niches like ceramics, paper ephemera, autographed photos of early champions, ancient golf clubs, and century old golf marketing materials-- to name just a few.Nine private clubs with extensive historic holdings are profiled. Stretching from Australia to North America to Europe these clubs have embraced the preservation of their own specialized place in the annals of golf history, while also expanding their collections to develop a more expansive history of the sport in general. Three world renowned golf museums have opened their doors through this volume to encourage golfers to learn more about the history of the ancient game.In addition to historical revelations, the book also features 13 different topical sections including historical narratives on clubs, balls and tees, a survey that traces a millennium of golf history and its predecessor games, and topical sections on individual items like golf postcards, travel brochures and animation art, all profusely illustrated with explanatory captions and a complete index, ISBN13: 9780965079181 ISBN10: 096507918X Material Type: hardcover