1935 Augusta National Invitational Program Signed by Winner Gene Sarazen - Rare JSA ALOA

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2018

1935 Augusta National Invitational Program Signed by Winner Gene Sarazen - Rare

Offered here is an opportunity to own the seldom seen 1935 Augusta National Invitational (Masters Tournament) program. This rarefied artifact is an exciting piece of golf history. Consider the fact that the Augusta National only issued a 1934 and 1935 program before discontinuing publication until the 1990’s (It is purported the publication was stopped as Bobby Jones no longer wished for his friends and business associates to be approached for advertising dollars to make the program a reality). There are, in fact, fewer 1935 programs than 1934 programs in the market today, due to Augusta National producing fewer 1935 than 1934 programs (Top collectors are of the opinion that there are about 12 known '35's a scant one third of the 36 known '34's).

Further adding to the beauty of this example is the signature of the 1935 Masters Tournament champion Gene Sarazen. One of the most memorable shots in the history of sport was launched by Sarazen to Augusta Nationals' 15th green at the 1935 Masters Tournament. His second shot from the fairway, a 235 yarder on the par 5, found the hole for a double-eagle, electrifying to those few who witnessed it. The "shot heard 'round the world" tied Sarazen with Craig Wood and led to a playoff, where Sarazen claimed the second ever Masters title. Sarazen's signature comes in black sharpie along with his common trait of year dating, in this case the autograph was signed by the Squire in "1998". This may well mark the only known example of the 1935 program with a signature penned by the champion Sarazen. This scarce and desirable publication retains its original 40 pages packed with photos and distinctive covers. These covers display wear from handling by its original owner Bill Holt, a fine amateur golfer of the 1930's who was himself in third place after shooting 70 (-2) in the first round of the 1937 United States Open at his home course of Oakland Hills, and was also champion of the famed Dixie Amateur in 1939.

James Spence Authentication (JSA) has reviewed the signature of Gene Sarazen, and their auction letter of authenticity will come with this lot.

Please note: This auction will end at 5:00pm EST on Sunday, June 17th, with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. Still the lowest rate among major golf auction houses, there is a buyer's premium of 17.5% for all items. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended.