The Northern Ball Markers founder on making his mark on the golf industry, his favourite places to play, and his dream fourball
Having been inspired to begin creating innovative, custom ball markers for himself, North Tyneside-based Dan Hase has built one of the UK’s leading independent golf brands over the last six years. What started out as a hobby soon became a business and Dan now works solely on NBM – producing custom metalwork and golf accessories for players around the world, and brands and organisations ranging from clubs and resorts in the UK to the likes of The R&A, Cobra Golf, Royal Adelaide Golf Club and many, many more. When he’s not designing, laser engraving and hand-finishing products, you might find him on the golf course – where we caught up for a round…
How much golf do you get to play?
With a growing business and two young boys, I tend to get out for 15-20 rounds per year. I play more in the summer and working in the industry means I’m lucky to get a few invites to play in events and with some of my regular customers and partners.
How did you get into golf?
When I was a kid, my dad cut down a seven-iron from a charity shop and I would hit balls in a field. In my early 20s, after coming up to Newcastle from Norfolk for university and never leaving, I started playing with some friends from work. My first membership was at Percy Wood and I’ve played all over the North East ever since.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
I like visiting Bellingham – it’s quirky with some really cool holes. I also enjoy the experience of playing at Close House, while Seaton Carew is a very special place to play.
And further afield?
I have built a great business relationship and friendship with the Rowbottom family at Woolley Park in Wakefield and it’s so much fun to spend time there. I also love visiting Archerfield – it’s one of the great golf experiences.
What’s your best score?
I shot 80 at Kingsbarns playing off 16. It was one of those great days for golf with amazing weather and great company, and I couldn’t do anything wrong. To time playing that well at that golf course was incredible and I’ll never forget that round.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
The very first Northern Ball Markers event at Woolley Park in 2022 was amazing. I got to meet so many customers and people I’ve worked with for a long time in person, and the atmosphere was just perfect all day. It was such a good experience that I now do three events a year and it’s so much fun to bring people together when you spend most of your work time in a workshop or talking to people via email and social media.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
Playing at Newbiggin, I hit the fence next to the first tee and almost put my ball into one of the front gardens over the road. It was a big society day and I couldn’t believe I just about knocked on someone’s door 100 yards away with my opening tee shot.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I’ve been superstitious about other things and other sports, but I haven’t picked up any golf ones. I certainly couldn’t have a favourite ball marker, could I?
What are your strengths on the course?
I don’t play to shoot a score every day – it’s more about the people and being out on the course for me, so I don’t get too upset when things don’t go my way. I guess my putting is the best of an inconsistent bunch.
And your weaknesses?
My driving can be erratic, particularly in the wind, and it can put me in trouble.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
It would have to be a putter. I really like my custom long neck one which was CNC milled by my friend JB, though it’s hard to pick a favourite from what has become a big collection.
Who is your best golfing friend?
Dave Kerr, who works in golf travel in Scotland. It’s great to head north and catch up with a friend in the industry and we always enjoy our games together.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in golf?
I used to work in marketing for a local authority, so I would probably still be doing a role like that in the public sector or another big organisation.
Who is your favourite golfer?
I’ve been enjoying watching Bryson DeChambeau on YouTube recently and his content is great to dip in and out of for a 10-15-minute window.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
The Ryder Cup is always the best to watch on TV. When it comes to playing, I love The Old Tom One Club Challenge at Cleeve Hill – it’s organised by people who like the same things about golf as I do, and it’s freeing to be able to play a great course with one club and a few drinks in a backpack.
Who do you admire?
I get a lot of inspiration from others who have small, independent businesses – anyone making cool products and pushing boundaries. I gravitate to those in golf most and there are so many cool things out there. The different skills and levels of creativity are awesome.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
It would have to include friends and people who I’ve gotten to know through the business, so I’d pick John Rowbottom from Woolley Park and Matt Mills – AKA @avidgolfcollector on Instagram. I’d also pop Michael McIntyre in there as I’m a big fan and would love to spend some time with him.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
I’d take back one shot at Kingsbarns so I could have broken 80 at one of the best golf courses in the world.
