Golf News: The Best Golf Course Logos from Around the World

Merion Golf Club

Branding is about being unique. If you don’t stand out, no one will remember you. The best way to do this is to find something you have – that no other place or product has – and hammer it home.

The wicker basket flagstick is a perfect example of this approach. Legend is unclear on the origin of the design, but it is unique to Merion. Most are surprised to learn that the two Merion courses were designed by a first-time architect. He did a great job on what remains a small piece of real estate that hosted the 2013 US Open.

When it did host majors, Merion shined like few others. Bobby Jones completed his Grand Slam at Merion in 1930. Merion hosted the 1950 US Open won by Ben Hogan in his comeback from an almost fatal car accident.

These legendary exploits christen a course as special. But the wicker basket pins make it truly unforgettable.

So how do you make sure that your logo is completely unique and memorable? You highlight your difference and stake your claim to it.

There are other courses with “Royal” in their name. There are many that have mythical beasts and dragons. And goodness knows there are a million courses with Native American references.

But there is only one wicker-basket-for-a-pin course that has hosted US Opens, is the site of the Jones Slam, and where Hogan hit his most famous shot – a godly-struck 1-iron off the deck to secure a playoff and eventual US Open victory.

It all adds up to a logo that evokes the singularity of one of America’s most storied golf courses.

—————-

You may have noticed all of the previous logos were from courses with long and glory-filled pasts. History and tradition can add weight to a good logo, if not a mediocre one.

So let’s look at a newer course and logo that I predict will age well and become iconic in good time.