The author, Kevin McGimpsey is the British Golf Collectors Society’s Murdoch Medal winner of 2004 for his seminal book, The Story of the Golf Ball.
A former Captain in the Parachute Regiment, Kevin traded his red beret for a career in antique toys and diecast model cars and later collectible golfing memorabilia; two areas he has firmly established himself as an internationally renowned expert.
In May 2003, Kevin was appointed the lead golf expert at Bonhams1793 auction house. Responsible for their prestigious golf sales in both the UK and the USA, and overseeing the insurance valuations for renowned Golf Clubs, including Carnoustie and Royal Troon.
His most recent publication resulted from a trip to the Los Angeles Golf Country Club. Kevin was there to catalogue their golf ball collection. As well as completing the assignment, he uncovered previously undocumented golf balls. This inspired Kevin to embark on 5 years of research which culminated in The Collectible Golf Ball Directory 1845-1945.
Kevin also has a love of the modern game. Caddying twice for his brother, the British Amateur Champion Garth McGimpsey, in both the 1985 Open Championship and the 1986 Masters, which included a coveted practice round with Jack Nicklaus. Today he plays golf twice a week and has given up on attaining his once single digit handicap.
Kevin became Captain of Hawarden G.C. in 2024.
Kevin has been very happily married to his wife Paddy for 43 years. They have three grown up children, five grandchildren and live in Chester, England.
Kevin’s recent publications and appearances:
Podcasts:
Plus Four Podcast The Plus Four Hickory Golf Podcast explores the wide world of hickory golf as played in the 1935 era and before. Conversations examine the fields of antique golf clubs, clubmakers, golf club repair, golf club archives, collections, personalities, golf museums, and golfing societies. On this episode you’ll hear the conversation between the host, Robert Birman and Kevin as they explore the world of antique golf balls and Kevin’s journey into collecting.