The collector, Kevin Hatmaker

Wayne State Farm agent Kevin Hatmaker, an avid golf fan and collector, stands proudly in front of a portion of his impressive collection of autographed Masters flags, showcasing years of dedication to the game’s rich tradition. Photo by John Rhaesa

By Sarah Shurge – You never know when a moment is going to change your life.
For Kevin Hatmaker, that moment happened when Charles Coody, American professional golfer and 1971 Masters champion, mailed back a note along with the Masters pin flag he had sent Coody to sign. “More than happy to sign for a collector,” Coody wrote.
That moment changed everything for Hatmaker. He realized what he was. He was more than just a guy that loves golf. He was a collector.
Hatmaker has attended dozens of golf events across the U.S. and overseas. He’s been to twelve Masters, countless other majors, Ryder Cups, a Presidents Cup, the Memorial (sixteen years running), and even The Open Championship (a few times).
He’s even stayed at the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Suite 268 – the famous Tiger Woods Suite with bulletproof glass windows, overlooking the 17th tee.
Hatmaker used to buy two flags per tournament that he attended: a field flag for multiple autographs and a champion’s flag, reserved solely for the winner. Now he has so many flags (about 400), that he usually only buys one.
Hatmaker doesn’t sell his autographs (however, he’s donated a few duplicates to charity events and given some to a few kids).
Hatmaker just loves the game – its players, its courses, and the souvenirs that helped him remember where he’s been. But he wasn’t always the guy that loved golf.
Golf didn’t enter his life until he was in his 30s.
Hatmaker met Dave Basch at an entry-level job at an appliance store. They quickly became good friends. Over the years, they worked at three different companies together, advancing their careers and growing their friendship.
One day, Basch invited Hatmaker to play golf. Hatmaker declined, explaining that he’s never played and wouldn’t be a suitable partner. Basch responded by taking Hatmaker to a driving range. And Hatmaker was awful.

Kevin Hatmaker in front of Founder’s Circle at Augusta National Country Club for the Masters Tournament in 2017. The Augusta National Clubhouse is in the background. Augusta has professional photographers that will take your photo at this location, and provide you a card with information how to retrieve it after you leave the course.  Connected devices are not allowed on the grounds at Augusta any time during tournament week!

“I lifted my head, topped shots, hit worm burners, popped balls straight up, and often missed the ball entirely,” said Hatmaker.
Hatmaker was ready to give up, when one clean solid swing had the ball soaring more than 200 yards. Everything changed after that.
Hatmaker and Basch played wherever they could afford: local public courses at first, then TPC Michigan (a Jack Nicklaus design and former home of the Senior Players Championship).
During those early years, Basch asked Hatmaker if he wanted to attend the Ryder Cup at nearby Oakland Hills Country Club. “I didn’t really know what the Ryder Cup was, but golf was involved, and Dave had free tickets, so I was in,” said Hatmaker. They went, Hatmaker learned how special the event was, and was hooked.
In 2008, the PGA Championship came to Oakland Hills and Basch had free tickets again. They went.
On a practice day, they noticed fans buying souvenir pin flags and getting them signed by players. Basch suggested they try it. “I was skeptical. Surely no professional golfer would stop and take time to sign for me,” said Hatmaker.
But regardless of Hatmaker’s skepticism, they bought flags anyway. And the professional golfers did stop. Hatmaker ended that week with 15 autographs and watched Padraig Harrington, Irish professional golfer, win.
“That flag – my first major – was professionally framed with museum glass and archival matting,” said Hatmaker.
Since then, Hatmaker has built his life around attending tournaments, seeing iconic courses, and collecting souvenir flags that mark where he’s been.

Kevin Hatmaker posing with the Claret Jug (the trophy for winning the Open Championship, aka “British Open”) in 2017 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport England.  The current Claret Jug trophy dates back to 1928, awarded to Walter Hagen.  Each year the champion receives the original trophy, but must return the trophy before next year’s Open.

“By God’s grace, a frugal upbringing, wise career choices, and an incredibly understanding wife, I’ve been able to pursue this passion,” said Hatmaker.
Hatmaker will be celebrating 38 years of marriage in October.
In Fall 2014, Hatmaker had knee replacement surgery, physical therapy in the winter, and was back at a tournament in the spring walking with a cane to the first green.

Dave Basch (left) and Kevin Hatmaker in front of the scoreboard at Augusta National Country Club for the Masters Tournament in 2016. Phones and connected devices are still not allowed on the grounds at Augusta National, so this photo was taken by an old school camera, which are only allowed on practice days of the tournament.

“We had tickets, I wasn’t not going to go,” said Hatmaker.
Hatmaker doesn’t attend these golf events alone. Basch has always been by Hatmaker’s side. “We’ve gone all over the world to golf events. We both love it. He loved playing the game initially, but we both got hooked on professional events,” said Hatmaker.
Hatmaker and Basch left for their 12th Masters on Sunday, April 5th.
“I’m most looking forward to walking in and seeing that first view of the course – that panoramic view of that first hole. It’s just beautiful, it looks better than it does on TV,” said Hatmaker.
Hatmaker and Basch will be at the Masters in Atlanta until Sunday, April 12th.
“I will always be there at tournaments, chatting with players along the ropes, hoping they sign my souvenir flag and soaking in the moment. Because now I know who I am. I’m a collector,” said Hatmaker.