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Tourflags Blog

OK, so it's not exactly a real blog, but I would like to use this space to post my comments on a variety of things that do no necessarily fit elsewhere on the website. Basically, I plan to provide updated news on Golf Flags and the Golf Memorabilia Industry, post answers to questions that I am frequently asked, and track Golf-related sales in auction houses throughout the U.S. and Europe. Expect this blog to be your go-to "Current Events" for Golf collecting!

Monday, April 10: Another Mickelson Master's victory! Make sure you stock up on those 2006 Masters flags - cause they're going to be a good one. They won't likely reach the values of the 2004 Masters flags (now consistently selling for over $100), but they will be strong. First of all, there are lots of Mickelson fans out there. Secondly, unlike Tiger, Mickelson actually signs the flags. And Thirdly (and most importantly), every single dealer that I know bought fewer flags this year than last year. Because of the instant scarcity of the 2004 Masters flags, dealers didn't want to miss out again in 2005 so they were walking out of the Augusta Golf Shop with cases and cases of flags. Because of this, many dealers were hanging onto thousands of dollars worth of 2005 Masters flags after it had become apparent that the flag wasn't going to be selling for record prices any time soon. This scared a lot of people off this year. Invest thousands of dollars again and risk a Clark Masters victory?!? In fact, many of the dealers that I talked to purchased about 1/3 the number flags that they purchased last year. So what does this mean for the 2006 Masters flag? It means that it should be a good one. While there will be an initial abundance of 2006 flags on eBay, don't expect this to last more than a few weeks. And if Mickelson wins the U.S. Open, the 2006 Masters flag will be one of the most sought after flags in recent memory. Stock up now. They surely aren't going down in value any time soon.

As for the 2005 Masters flag, keep an eye on it. I was surprised to find out that many dealers were running low on the flag. And even though the flag doesn't sell for high prices, it still sells very well. It's from a Tiger victory and the flag sold out on Wednesday. I actually sold a large number of 2005 Masters flags to dealers this week, something that I had not expected. As soon as a couple more people start running low, you'll see less of these flags on eBay and the flag will finally start to appreciate in value. Also, if anyone is interested in packing away some 2005 Masters flags, I am selling a Case of 50 2005 Masters flags in our first auction (http://www.greenjacketauctions.com).

Sunday, April 9: Ok, so I'm a little late posting this, but better late the never. As The Masters Tournament unfolds, people frequently email me and call me to find out about my opinion on the value of that year's flag based on the potential winners. Some want to know because they are considering buying a bunch of flags at the tournament. Others are just curious. For what it's worth, here is a list of the contenders, ranked according to how strong the sales and value of the flag would be as a result of each player winning The Masters.

1. Fred Couples - without a doubt. Collectors love Couples. Casual golf fans love couples. Husbands love Couples, and their wives do too. And it would be one of the best Masters stories since'86

2. Phil Mickelson - Fan favorite and he actually signs the flags too! With his victory in 2004, I had a ridiculous amount of emails that week from people wanting to buy 2004 Masters flags. And before every tournament he ever plays, I get people in that town emailing me looking for flags so that they can get his autograph.

3. Ernie Els - Fan favorite that would become even more popular with a green jacket. Downside- that tiny autograph of his would look horrible in the middle of single-signed Masters flag

4. Tiger Woods - some might be surprised that Tiger is this low on the list, but I am actually surprised that I have him this high. Sure, a lot of people want flags from Tiger victories, but it's getting pretty redundant. And you're not likely to get him to sign the flag.

5. Rocco Mediate - To be honest, I don't know if I've ever gotten an email from a Rocco Mediate collector, but I have a feeling that he would instantly become a fan favorite and media darling if he won The Masters. In fact, from a collectors standpoint, I'd probably take Rocco ahead of Tiger now that I think about it.

6. Retief Goosen - this is a tough one. Very methodical golf game and personality. But he's a great golfer, he signs autographs, and people might warm up to him (and vice versa) with a Masters victory. And to be honest, he actually sold decently well after the 2001 victory.

7. Vijay Singh - How can someone be so good yet have no fans?

8. Tim Clark - I don't know much about him, and I don't think many fans do. But actually, his personality might make for a good Masters Champion. But it's risky. To be honest, he'd probably sell better than Vijay.

Saturday, March 25: Big News! I recently co-founded a golf-only auction company, Green Jacket Auctions. Check out the website at http://www.greenjacketauctions.com The site is still under construction, but we have already placed a bunch of items up for preview. Our first auction will be in June. So please check it out and Register so that we have your info. And if you have anything that you'd like to consign, let me know!

I just picked up some great Course Used flags. I have already added a few pictures, including Shinnecock (been trying to get ahold of that one for a while), Bethpage Black (with U.S. Open info), Castlepines, and National Golf Links. I will be adding a few others in the next couple days.

Friday, March 10: Since a few people have suggested meeting up during Masters week in Augusta, I suggest that we meet up for dinner and drinks on Tuesday night. Email me if you're interested.

Wednesday, March 8: Ok, so a bunch of people are emailing me about a 1999 Medinah flag on eBay. Here's my opinion. The 1999 PGA flag that is pictured on my site is very high-quality, double-skinned, and has the Pinny tag on back. The 1999 PGA flag that shows up on eBay a few times a year is a lightweight material and contains no tag. I've had people swear that it came from the tournament, but I don't think it's legit. The flag has been around for a few years. In my opinion, the flag was reproduced shortly after Tiger won the 1999 tournament. It may have even been produced by Pinny shortly before they went out of business, but the lack quality and missing tag lead me to believe otherwise. The bottom lime is that most serious collectors do not want this flag in their collection. Some, however, purchase this flag for their collection while they search for an authentic 1999 Medinah flag.

Friday, February 24: If you checked out my Tournament-Used flag section this past week, you probably saw the flag that I had listed as a used 1990 U.S. Open flag. I have just learned from the USGA, however, that it was not the flag used at the tournament. More research will need to be done to figure out the details of that flag. I do not believe that the flag is fake. Rather, it may have been produced after the tournament by Hale Irwin to distribute to friends, relatives, and sponsors. This is often done by players in an effort to celebrate their win by giving a keepsake to others.

Thursday, February 23: Some more strong golf flag sales on eBay, with a 1995 Masters Flag selling for $330, a 1986 PGA Championship Flag for $215, a 1987 U.S. Open Flag for $275, a 1994 U.S. Open Flag for $167, a Used Inverness Golf Club Flag (Top 100) for $103 and, surprisingly, a 1999 Masters Flag for $115. Also, a couple weeks ago a Tournament-Used 1990 U.S. Open flag was purchased on eBay for its Buy-it-Now price of $850 (read 2/24 post above for updated details regarding this flag).

The $275 sale of the 1987 U.S. Open flag places it on my top 10 list for highest prices for unsigned souvenir flags - and only 3 days after I made the list.

Monday, February 20:

- In response to several emails that I have received recently: Yes, I will be attending the Masters this year. I will actually be there for the whole week.

- golf flag sales have been very strong on eBay recently, which is rather surprising for January and February. I wouldn't be surprised to see some record prices paid for rare golf flags as we get into the golf season. Last week, a 1991 PGA Championship flag sold for $510 on eBay, which makes it the second most valuable souvenir PGA Championship flag, behind '99 Medinah. $510 for that flag also makes it the 3rd-highest priced souvenir flag I've ever seen, behind 1997 Masters and 1999 Medinah, and narrowly edging out 1994 Masters ($500).

As of today, the highest prices that I have seen paid for unsigned Souvenir (that is, tournament-SOLD) golf flags are as follows:

1. 1997 Masters - $1000

2. 1999 PGA Championship - $650

3. 1991 PGA Championship: $510

4. 1994 Masters (Emerald Green): $500

5. 1993/1996 Masters (White): $425

6. 1995 Masters: $350

7. 1991 U.S. Open: $300

8. 1989 PGA Championship: $275

9. 2000 U.S. Open (Canvas) - $250

T10. 1999 U.S. Open (embroidered) - $225

T10 1992 U.S. Open: $225

Expect this list to change dramatically this year, as more collectors are starting to realize that the prices of many flags have not even come close to approaching their potential. Hopefully now that I have nearly completed my PGA Championship section, collectors will begin to realize just how rare some of these PGA Championship flags really are. Judging by the $510 sale of the 1991 PGA flag, collectors are already figuring this out. Also, I expect the 1999 Medinah flag to shatter all records as soon as an authentic one with Pinny tag and logo is auctioned. There are simply too many collectors who still need this flag in their collection.