This summer, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge has commissioned an artisan to make a unique copper golf ball marker.
The Keweenaw is known as copper country, since copper for much of the eastern seaboard was mined in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Thus, having a golf ball marker made of copper made sense from a historical perspective. And having an artisan from the area made it even more authentic.
The result was a KML hand-stamped copper golf ball marker, made by Keweenaw native, William Thompson.
William Thompson was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After graduating from Calumet High School, he joined the U.S. Marines, and he was honorably discharged. After that, in 2007 he earned his first degree, an Associates in Applied Sciences in Physical Therapy from Finlandia University.
Growing up, William had always enjoyed working with his hands. His creativity showed from an early age, whether he was creating wood carvings or doodles. 
As an adult, William then decided to take that creativity a step further. In 2018 he graduated from Finlandia University, earning his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in ceramics. More recently, he has expanded into working with copper. We contacted him with the idea of making copper golf ball markers, and he was happy to work with us. The results were outstanding!
The hand stamped copper ball markers have a rustic, natural look. They are available to be purchased in our Outdoor Activities Center.
Willam’s ceramics and other works can be found at the Copper Country Community Art Center in Hancock, and the Calumet Art Center. You can follow him on Instagram @williamthompsonart or visit his website .