This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2020
Arnold Palmer Signed Personal Match Used & Dated '58 Wilson Staff Golf Ball
One of his first moves in turning pro was to sign a standard contract amounting to $5,000 per year as a base, plus $2,000 signing bonus with Wilson Sporting Goods to play their equipment which included his golf ball. It is this contract which led to Arnie using the Wilson Staff #5 ball (which displays consistent patterns of on course use) during his 1958 season. This ball used by Arnie in the 1958 season bears the penning of "Arnold Palmer","58". Adorned with the dual color Wilson Staff logo, which would change in style with the advent of the 1960's. The ball bears the same #5 designation as the Palmer match used ball from the 1958 Masters which originated from the collection of Palmer family friend and 18th hole announcer at the '58 event, Ralph Hutchinson which was auctioned by The Golf Auction in the spring of 2016. It is seldom that the opportunity arises to obtain a match used golf ball from the early career of the "King", even more impressive when it originates from the magical year of his first Major triumph in 1958. James Spence Authentication (JSA) has found both signature and inscription 58 to be in Arnold Palmer's hand, with their letter of authenticity accompanying this lot. Please see photos that show ball has become disfigured over the years.
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