The Fascinating World of Golf Bobblehead Collecting and Displays

The Fun and Unique World of Golf Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads make for great collectibles and decorations for any avid golfer. These bobbling figurines featuring golfers in various poses and outfits have exploded in popularity over the past couple decades. Fans love displaying their favorite golf bobbleheads on their desks at work, shelves at home, or even using them as ball markers out on the course.

Bobbleheads capture golfers and golf culture in a charming and whimsical way. They come in all shapes and sizes depicting male and female golfers, historic figures, and even golf course animals like gophers and squirrels. The heads comically bobble and shake with the slightest touch or movement. Bobbleheads make for cool souvenirs from golf tournaments or unique gifts for the golf lover in your life.

The Origins of Golf Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads first emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as promotional items offered at baseball games. The figurines depicted popular players from the home teams. Over the next few decades, bobbleheads expanded into other sports like football, basketball, and golf.

Some of the earliest golf bobbleheads portrayed legendary figures like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. They became popular collectibles and souvenirs celebrating the heroes of the game. Regional golf bobbleheads also emerged depicting famous golfers from certain locations.

For example, South Carolina golf shops might sell bobbleheads of players like Gary Player or Beth Daniel who have roots in the state. Minnesota golf stores offer bobbleheads of Hazeltine National’s own Hollis Cavner or other figures tied to golf in the region.

Modern Golf Bobbleheads

The golf bobblehead industry has exploded over the past decade or so. Modern figures showcase popular golfers from today’s era like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Paige Spiranac, and more.

Bobbleheads feature golfers in traditional poses swinging a club or watching a putt. Other creative designs capture funny golf moments like reacting to a bad shot, getting attacked by a ball-stealing squirrel, or passing out from heat exhaustion on the course.

Some companies offer customizable bobbleheads where you can select the body, club, outfit, and accessories. This allows you to create a unique figure to look just how you want.

Limited edition and collectible bobbleheads are also popular among golf enthusiasts. Certain figures are made in small batches or to commemorate specific events and become treasured collectibles.

Types of Golf Bobbleheads

Golf bobbleheads come in a variety of styles and designs:

• Individual golfers - These feature a single golfer like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, or newer stars like Jordan Spieth.
• Tournaments - Bobbleheads made for specific golf tournaments like The Masters or the Ryder Cup.
• Course figures - Depict animals and characters associated with famous courses like Augusta National's caddies.
• Novelty items - Humorous bobbleheads like golfers getting chased by alligators, falling asleep mid swing, or celebrating shots.
• Collectible sets - Special collections featuring multiple golfers, presidents who play golf, or other golf related themes.

Some figures stay true to a golfer's likeness while others morph their features for comic effect. The diversity allows collectors to find unique bobbleheads to represent different aspects of golf.

Where to Buy Golf Bobbleheads

Here are some of the top places to buy new and old golf bobbleheads:

• Pro shops - Golf course pro shops often carry bobbleheads of famous players or course figures as souvenirs.
• Golf retailers - Golf specialty stores may have an assortment of bobbleheads for sale representing different golfers and brands.
• Sporting goods stores - Big box stores like Dick's Sporting Goods usually have a selection of popular current player bobbleheads.
• Online shops - Websites like Bobbleheads.com and Forever Collectibles offer hundreds of golf bobblehead designs.
• Auction sites - eBay and other auction platforms let you bid on rare, unique, and discontinued bobbleheads.
• Tournament merchandise - In-person and online shops for major tournaments sell new collectible player bobbleheads.

Shopping around at different retailers allows you to find both common and obscure golf bobblehead designs to grow an eclectic collection.

Where to Display Golf Bobbleheads

Golf bobbleheads make fun decorations for any room or office. Here are some popular display ideas:

• Line them up on a shelf or bookcase
• Place them on your work desk or cubicle
• Display them on the mantel of a fireplace
• Arrange them on shelves in a home bar area
• Set them on end tables next to chairs and sofas
• Show off rare ones in acrylic display cases

Group similar bobbleheads together or mix up figures from different eras. Fans also enjoy decorating "man cave" spaces with their favorite golf bobbleheads showing their passion for the sport.

Bobble On with These Cool Collectibles

Golf bobbleheads represent a fun and affordable way to celebrate the heroes, culture, and humor surrounding the game of golf. Their bobbling action and whimsical nature captivate collectors and fans. Display your favorites around your home and office to immerse yourself in golfer nostalgia and whimsy.

FAQs

When did golf bobbleheads first become popular?

Golf bobbleheads started emerging in the 1950s and 1960s as promotional giveaways at tournaments depicting famous golfers from the era like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. They became more widespread collector's items and souvenirs in the 1980s and 1990s.

Where can I find rare or unique golf bobbleheads?

Your best bet for finding rare golf bobbleheads is checking online auction sites like eBay where collectors sell more obscure and hard-to-find figures. You can also sometimes come across rare finds at antique shops and collectible conventions.

How much do golf bobbleheads cost?

Most standard golf bobbleheads cost between $10-$30. More collectible figures like limited editions or older bobbleheads of legend players can run from $50 up to several hundred dollars for the most unique ones.

How fragile are golf bobbleheads?

Modern bobbleheads are generally made of durable polyresin but the thin necks and heads can break if knocked over or dropped. Collectors recommend displaying them securely on flat surfaces away from edges. Keeping rarer ones in acrylic cases is suggested.

Can I customize my own golf bobblehead?

Yes, some online bobblehead companies like Bobbleheads.com allow you to customize the body type, outfit, club, and accessories. This lets you create a unique bobblehead version of yourself, a friend, or anyone you want.