The SOCIETY Newsletter #83

The Society of Golf Historians:

Bringing Golf History to Life

Founded in 2018 by Connor T. Lewis, the Society of Golf Historians (also known simply as The Society) is a historically-driven organization dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions and stories of golf history through research, storytelling, events, and now official merchandise.

Recognizing a growing demand from their community, we recently began designing our first merchandise line. In their own words, encountering members requesting both branded designs and golf outings led to the decision: “finally many of you have been clamoring for merchandise … in the upcoming months I will work make both of those a reality.”

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Why Merchandise Matters

 1. Identity & Belonging. After launching the SOCIETY Newsletter, podcast, and social media channels, branded merchandise becomes a tangible expression of membership and shared passion for golf history.

 2. Support for Mission. Merchandise helps raise awareness and builds community fundraising potential for future events, research, and access to archives.

 3. Outreach & Engagement. Well‑designed items—caps, shirts, prints, pins—can spark conversations and draw in new enthusiasts beyond the historian circle.

4. Love of Golf Art. Finally we have a deep appreciation of golf art and this is our small way of tipping our cap to both history and the beauty of our game.

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🛠️ What’s in the Collection?

While the full lineup hasn’t been publicly unveiled, this early glimpse of our first design should hit to where we are looking to travel. Our line of SOCIETY gear will be inspired by iconic historical themes: vintage club and ball imagery, golf antiquities (as seen in USGA collections), and stylized logos embroidered in historically themed fonts.

The gear that we plan to bring to life will reflect stories that we want to tell with a throwback style.

Given their emphasis on storytelling and accuracy, these items are likely to feature curated imagery rooted in recognized artifacts and documented history—perfect for fellow historians and golf appreciators alike.

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Why This Endeavor Matters

 • Amplifies history by turning it into lifestyle art.

 • Bridges communities, connecting collectors, historians, players, and fans.

 • Provides revenue that can be reinvested in newsletters, podcast production, and archival research.

 • Elevates younger appreciation by integrating pop‑culture style into academic themes.

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The Society of Golf Historians is evolving from content‑only platforms into a full-fledged historical experience, with merchandise representing their deep-rooted passion for golf’s heritage. Though still unfolding, their forthcoming product line promises to blend authenticity, beauty, and educational content in wearable—and displayable—form.

Keep an eye on their newsletter and channels for upcoming reveals. If you’re a fan of golf history, these items will not only look great—they’ll tell a story.

We have ten different designs in different levels of development. The next release will be a very personal one to me.

We hope that you enjoy them!

THE LAST BASTION Explained

The famed Bastion Bunker was a relic of the Victorian Era of golf, so it being the first piece of merchandise is quite fitting. This serpent shaped bunker which no longer exists may go down as one of the most famous extinct bunkers in American Golf History.

The sun setting on the Victorian Era is kind of the overall theme of the artwork- the Last Bastion of Victorian Golf is the title of the full work of art.

If you want to know how truly insane I am you have to explore the details. The font used in the artwork was designed to mimic that of John Frick who created this font that was used on all of the early USGA Medals.

The artwork in itself is a story of American Golf. I should note that of the ten pieces of original artwork we are working on- some tell a story like this one- others (perhaps like the next piece) will be a bit more whimsical.

WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING?

1. We are still in development of a website that will house podcasts, newsletters, golf history forums, golf course auctions for fund raising and even investment opportunities

2. We are formalizing our membership process. Trying to create a membership package for every level of interest.

3. We are moving full speed ahead on throwing the first ever Society Annual Meeting at Belleair Country Club the week of the PGA Show. Due to high interest levels we may need to insist that you are a member to attend. Even with that we may have to hold a lottery our first year.

4. We are literally building an investment companies with the Society Land Co & the Society Golf Co. The Society Land Co will be a land investment company that will allow us to acquire golf courses and/or land for golf development. The Society Golf Co will be the Equity Membership and investment/membership in the golf courses. We are currently evaluating the acquisition of two different golden age golf courses.

5. We will continue with the TalkinGolf History Podcast, The SOCIETY Newsletter and golf history consulting.

Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and share it with your friends and family. This has been a crazy year as we try to create something that gives back to the game. It’s been stressful, it’s been chaotic but it’s also been extremely rewarding.

I hope you enjoy the merchandise we are creating. To be honest it won’t generate a lot of money, but it may help offset some debt and more than anything we wanted to create something that we love, that is unique, that pays homage to golf history & that others will enjoy. That being said, if you hate it- I do apologize:)

Finally let me say this- reach out to me- tell me what you like, won’t you don’t like. I truly try to respond to every email I receive, which typically is between 10-15 per newsletter.

Yours in Golf History,

Connor T.