If you read my posts on Druh or 59 Belts, you know I am a big fan of belt buckles. As a precursor, the only golf belt buckles I will not wear are ones that are simply the logo of a big name brand. Nothing against Nike, Puma or Adidas, I just have enough of their stuff in my bag without having a swoosh on my mid-section. The way I figure it, a belt buckle is of of the few golf items that project a little personality, so until I get a sponsorship deal there will be no logo from a company who is listed on the NYSE holding up my britches. Fortunately, I stumbled upon the White Ball who makes really cool golf belt buckles and straps, and even though everyone’s favorite, Rory Sabbatini, wears the White Ball buckle, I do not yet classify The White Ball as a big brand logo.
Since our site name is “Three Guys Golf Blog”, we looked at three buckles from the White Ball: the Zen, Champion and Pride. In my opinion the Zen is the standard-bearer of the line. Out of the gate, you can see it has a platinum finish which is super clean and bright. Going beyond my personal comfort zone, I paired it with a green strap, which by the way, instantly became one of my favorites. I have historically only worn black straps, but after realizing that you can wear a colored stap with nearly every outfit, I am now a huge fan of the bright belt colors. Plus the green belt gets two thumbs up from my wife (if you happen to care what she thinks).
The White Ball Zen Belt
The White Ball Zen Belt
A little Zen cannot hurt
Beyond the simple fact the Zen belt is just a super good looking golf belt buckle, the designer also cleverly weaved in a number of themes into the logo.
- First, if you look closely, the logo is actually two letters overlapping each other. There is a “W” from straight on and a “B” when the buckle is turned sideways (get it – “White Ball” = WB).
- The shape also resembles an Archer’s Composite Bow, who like a golfer must harness their concentration to create accurate shots.
- Finally, the logo also resembles the Zen position of the hands that a statue of Buddha is usually posed.
Enough symbolism for even Mr. Poe.
The White Ball Champion
Finally, we looked at the Pride buckle since Wade contends no man who has a 40″ waist should ever wear a large belt buckle (paging Mr. Daly). The Pride buckle is the style that 95% of golfer wear, except the White Ball version is like 1000% cooler. Again, check out the small details that you just don’t find on the belt you picked up at Dick’s Sporting Goods (apologies to Dick’s who for some reason I aways pick on).
The White Ball Pride Belt Buckle
The White Ball Pride Belt Buckle
See how both the golf ball graphic and the company name is milled into the side of the buckle as well as on the front clasp? While simple in design, this buckle is way classier than your average buckle.
Lastly, let me touch on the straps. All of the straps made by the White Ball are Genuine Italian Leather. While they do offer black and white, they also have eight other colors that I promise you will dig. Like many high end buckles, all of the White Ball buckles can be interchanged as they can be easily unclamped (and sized).
The White Ball Strap
The White Ball offers two other styles, Crystal and Dandy, and has a number of accessories that all can be found on their website. The Zen buckle and strap retail for $159, the Champion and Pride for $119.
You can also see all of the high res images on our Facebook Gallery.
ps, Ken Duke, Brad Faxon, Hal “Be the right stick today” Sutton and Bob “I can’t believe Tiger made that putt” May all wear the White Ball.
