From Backyard Hobby to Golf Course Staple: The Story of Custom Ball Markers

Hey, golf lovers! Let’s dive into a fun piece of golf history that recently caught our attention. Last month, our boy Rory McIlroy snagged that elusive green jacket at the Masters, and guess what? One of the key pieces of gear he used was a totally homemade ball marker from a self-described "nobody" in Long Island, New York. Yep, it wasn’t some fancy pro shop product—this was a personal piece of equipment that tells a story.

A Touch of Personalization

So, what’s the deal with this ball marker? It comes from a small company called Golf Life Metals, and it’s not your run-of-the-mill marker. Rory’s had a special inscription on it that read, “You already know how to play golf.” This heartfelt quote was inspired by his daughter, Poppy, who told him that when she noticed he was working with a swing coach. It’s this kind of personal touch that makes these homemade markers so special.

Enter Jon Millman: The Man Behind the Markers

Say hello to Jon Millman, a 51-year-old golf fan from Plainview, New York. Like many of us during those early COVID days, Millman found himself looking for new hobbies when things were quiet at his financial planning job. He turned to golf but quickly found interest in something a bit different: wedge stamping. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go so well! He joked about how hard it is to stamp metal—especially when you mess it up on an expensive club.

A Lightbulb Moment

Not one to give up easily, Millman soon pivoted to making some simpler ball markers. He gathered some tools—anvils, stamps, and scrap copper—and discovered just how much easier it was to create these customized pieces. Measuring bigger than a quarter yet smaller than a poker chip, they were perfectly sized to pop without being too obnoxious.

Crafting Unique Markers

What really makes these markers fun is the freedom of creativity. Each marker could have just about anything stamped on it, from silly phrases to logos and quotes. Early on, Millman produced some cheeky favorites, like “f— bogeys.” After all, who doesn’t swirl in a little humor while putting?

Gaining Popularity

Before he knew it, Millman’s passion project spiraled into something bigger. Encouraged by friends, he popped a few markers up on Etsy, which got him connected with golf analyst Rob Lee from Sky Sports. Millman’s designs caught Lee’s eye, and soon he was sending markers all over the globe, including to pro players. Who knew a simple hobby would land him such fantastic connections?

A Growing Clientele

Fast forward a bit, and Millman’s markers started popping up in the hands of several pro golfers, including Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, and, of course, Rory McIlroy. Through a series of hilarious and often charming requests, he developed a rep for crafting markers that truly fit the player’s personality. Whether it be a lucky charm or a funny saying, each marker tells a story that resonates with the golfer.

Personalization is Key

One of the reasons these markers have become a must-have for pros? Personalization. Each golfer wants a piece that reflects who they are. For example, after Rory’s big win at the Masters, his caddie reached out for a special “career Grand Slam” marker. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood sports a marker that says “f— bogeys” alongside his Everton FC logo. Talk about making a statement!

The Man and His Markers

So, what’s in it for Millman? Interestingly, he doesn’t charge the pros for the markers. Instead, he collects souvenirs like signed flags or memorabilia in exchange. His growing popularity resulted in opportunities he never expected, including a request from the PGA of America for markers for the upcoming Ryder Cup.

Living the Dream

As Millman put it, “I really don’t know how I got here.” He’s enjoying the ride, crafting markers and fulfilling unique requests, all while keeping a balance between this newfound passion and spending time with his family and career. Millman has turned his simple hobby into something that connects him with the golf community, and he’s having a blast doing it.

Conclusion: A Homemade Touch to Golf

So there you have it! From a little idea sparked in the backyard to a staple for many professional golfers, Jon Millman’s homemade ball markers have made a big splash on the golf scene. The beauty of it lies in the personalization, the creativity, and the stories behind each piece. So next time you hit the course, think about how a custom marker can add a touch of your own personality to the game!