There is a particular kind of golf gift that arrives, gets used once, and disappears into a cupboard. Bradley & Sons was built in direct opposition to that fate. Founded by Mark Stevenson and named for his son, the Scottish brand takes its cue from an unlikely source: an old matchbox, and the realisation that everyday objects once carried real craftsmanship before disposability took over. That thinking became The Founder’s Parcel, a collection of golfing essentials produced in small batches and assembled by hand in Scotland, drawing on leather, brass, timber and print from specialist makers across the country. The signature tee box, inspired by that original matchbox, sits at the heart of all they do. We meet Mark to talk about the matchbox that started it all, the pull of St Andrews, the misconceptions around Scottish golf, and why Bradley & Sons is only getting started.
Mark, please tell our readers a little about yourself and how Bradley & Sons came about.
I’ve always appreciated the thought, detail, and craftsmanship that go into even the simplest of objects. Somewhere along the way, much of that has been lost, with everyday items becoming increasingly disposable.
Golf has become a real passion of mine over recent years, and I was drawn to the incredible history, traditions and remarkable places that surround the game. Bradley & Sons grew from the idea of celebrating that heritage through beautifully made objects designed to be kept. The Founder’s Parcel was our first expression of that philosophy, but it’s only the beginning of a much broader journey.
The story starts with a matchbox and an idea. What was the moment, and why did that particular object stay with you?
I came across an old matchbox and realised how much thought and effort once went into even the simplest of objects. It made me wonder why we no longer approach everyday items with that same level of care.
That sparked the idea of applying the same thinking to golf, creating beautifully made versions of everyday golfing objects that people would genuinely want to keep rather than simply use and replace.
The matchbox became the inspiration for our signature tee box, and in many ways the rest of Bradley & Sons grew from there.
Bradley & Sons reads like a name with generations behind it. Where does it come from, and is there a real Bradley?
There is. Bradley is my son’s name.
From the beginning, I wanted to build something that could be passed from one generation to the next, so Bradley & Sons felt like the perfect fit. It gives the business a personal meaning while reflecting the kind of timeless brand I hope to build.
You describe the brand as drawn to old-world objects, but not out of nostalgia. Where does the line sit between the two for you?
I love the character and charm of old-world objects. That’s why our products borrow from that style and presentation. The past provides the inspiration, but the goal is to create something new that carries forward those same values of quality and permanence.
Golf became the starting point rather than the whole story. What did you mean by that, and where does it take the brand next?
Golf gave us the perfect place to begin because few sports have such a rich history and sense of tradition.
Our ambition is to build a heritage brand that celebrates the stories, places and craftsmanship that make the game so special through thoughtfully designed collections people genuinely enjoy owning. My hope is that Bradley & Sons becomes known not simply for the products we create, but for celebrating the people, places and traditions that have shaped the game.
We’re also in discussions with several clubs about creating collections inspired by their individual histories, allowing those stories to be shared through beautifully made objects.
For readers coming to Bradley & Sons for the first time, how would you describe The Founder’s Parcel in your own words?
I’d describe it as a collection of beautifully made golfing essentials inspired by the heritage of the game.
What makes it special is the way it’s experienced. From the moment you open the parcel, you’re uncovering carefully designed objects, printed pieces and small details that reveal themselves over time. I wanted it to feel less like opening a product and more like opening a parcel with its own story to tell.
Everything is produced in small batches and prepared in Scotland. Who are the makers you work with, and how did you find them?
Finding the right makers has probably been the most time-consuming part of building Bradley & Sons. Rather than trying to source everything from one place, we’ve worked with specialist manufacturers who are exceptional at their particular craft, whether that’s leather, brass, timber or print.
Every component is then brought together, assembled and prepared by hand here in Scotland. It’s a slower way of working, but it gives us complete control over the quality and means every parcel receives the same level of care before it reaches its new owner.
You say a parcel should feel as though it travelled across years rather than miles. Tell us more about this philosophy.
I wanted people to have the feeling of discovering something rather than simply receiving it. The presentation should spark curiosity and encourage you to slow down, explore what’s inside and notice the little details.
That’s what we wanted to capture with The Founder’s Parcel. Not to convince people it’s old, but to make it feel as though it naturally belongs to golf’s history. If someone opens it and it feels familiar, even though they’ve never seen it before, then I think we’ve achieved what we set out to do.
St Andrews is widely known as the home of golf. Tell us more about your own connection and how it features within your parcels.
For me, it’s less about having a personal connection and more about a deep appreciation for what St Andrews represents. It’s the birthplace of so much of the game’s history and traditions, and that makes it a constant source of inspiration.
That influence runs throughout Bradley & Sons. From the artwork and printed pieces to the overall philosophy of the brand, we’re inspired by the places, stories and traditions that have shaped golf over generations.
Beyond the Old Course, where do you send a first-time visitor? Somewhere to eat, somewhere to drink, somewhere to walk.
I’d encourage people to spend time exploring the town itself rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. Walk the streets, take in the atmosphere and discover the places beyond the course. That’s where you begin to understand why St Andrews means so much to golfers around the world.
As for somewhere to eat or drink, I’d say choose somewhere independent and take your time. For me, it’s less about one particular place and more about soaking up the character and history that make St Andrews so special.
What can visitors expect and are there any misconceptions about the Scottish game?
I think the biggest misconception is that Scottish golf is only about the famous courses. In reality, visitors quickly discover that the game’s heritage is found in clubs of every size, where history, tradition and hospitality remain a part of everyday golf.
Golf travel has become a serious luxury category in its own right. What have you noticed about the way people are travelling to play now, compared with a few years ago?
I think people are looking for a more complete experience now. It’s no longer just about playing great courses, but immersing themselves in the history, culture and traditions that make each destination unique.
Until now, the parcel has been made for hosted groups, private clubs and considered gifting. What changes when it goes on general sale today?
We’ve deliberately taken our time before making the collection widely available. Later this year, golfers will be able to buy directly from us, with both the parcel and individual products available online. It’s an exciting milestone and the first step in a collection that will continue to grow over time.
Golf gifting is a crowded market, and most of it is forgettable. What makes this the one to choose over the obvious names?
We haven’t tried to create another golf gift. We’ve created something that feels considered, with quality materials, thoughtful design, and a genuine connection to the game’s heritage. We hope it’s something people keep, use, and remember long after it’s been opened.
Luxury means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?
Luxury isn’t always about a logo or a price tag. To me, it’s about thoughtful design, exceptional quality and the feeling that every detail has been carefully considered.
And finally, what is your personal motto, if you have one?
Do things properly, or don’t do them at all.
