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The collector, Kevin Hatmaker

By Sarah Shurge
You never know when a moment
is going to change your life.
For Kevin Hatmaker, that mo-
ment 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 collec-
tor,” 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 over-
seas. He’s been to twelve Masters,
countless other majors, Ryder Cups,
a Presidents Cup, the Memorial (six-
teen 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, over- Wayne State Farm agent Kevin Hatmaker, an avid golf fan and collector, stands proudly in front of a portion of his impressive
looking the 17th tee. collection of autographed Masters flags, showcasing years of dedication to the game’s rich tradition. Photo by John Rhaesa
Hatmaker used to buy two flags ers Championship).
per tournament that he attended: a During those early years, Basch
field flag for multiple autographs asked Hatmaker if he wanted to at-
and a champion’s flag, reserved tend the Ryder Cup at nearby Oak-
solely for the winner. Now he has so land Hills Country Club. “I didn’t
many flags (about 400), that he usu- really know what the Ryder Cup was,
ally only buys one. but golf was involved, and Dave had
Hatmaker doesn’t sell his auto- free tickets, so I was in,” said Hat-
graphs (however, he’s donated a few maker. They went, Hatmaker
duplicates to charity events and learned how special the event was,
given some to a few kids). and was hooked.
Hatmaker just loves the game – In 2008, the PGA Championship
its players, its courses, and the sou- came to Oakland Hills and Basch
venirs that helped him remember had free tickets again. They went.
where he’s been. But he wasn’t al- On a practice day, they noticed
ways the guy that loved golf. fans buying souvenir pin flags and
Golf didn’t enter his life until he getting them signed by players.
was in his 30s. Basch suggested they try it. “I was
Hatmaker met Dave Basch at an skeptical. Surely no professional
entry-level job at an appliance store. golfer would stop and take time to
They quickly became good friends. sign for me,” said Hatmaker.
Over the years, they worked at three But regardless of Hatmaker’s
different companies together, advanc- Kevin Hatmaker in front of Founder’s Circle at Augusta National Country Club for skepticism, they bought flags anyway.
ing their careers and growing their And the professional golfers did stop.
friendship. the Masters Tournament in 2017. The Augusta National Clubhouse is in the back- Hatmaker ended that week with 15
One day, Basch invited Hatmaker ground. Augusta has professional photographers that will take your photo at this lo- autographs and watched Padraig
to play golf. Hatmaker declined, ex- cation, and provide you a card with information how to retrieve it after you leave Harrington, Irish professional golfer,
plaining that he’s never played and win.
wouldn’t be a suitable partner. Basch the course. Connected devices are not allowed on the grounds at Augusta any time “That flag – my first major – was
responded by taking Hatmaker to a during tournament week! professionally framed with museum
driving range. And Hatmaker was ball entirely,” said Hatmaker. Hatmaker and Basch played glass and archival matting,” said Hat-
awful. Hatmaker was ready to give up, wherever they could afford: local maker.
“I lifted my head, topped shots, when one clean solid swing had the public courses at first, then TPC Since then, Hatmaker has built
hit worm burners, popped balls ball soaring more than 200 yards. Michigan (a Jack Nicklaus design
straight up, and often missed the Everything changed after that. and former home of the Senior Play- See Collector, page 5
The Wayne Dispatch · April 2026 · 3