This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/4/2024
James Brown's Personal Used Irons, Woods & Putter in Masters Bag W/ Personalized Bag Tag
Another of Augusta's claims to fame would be the one and only James Brown "The Godfather of
Soul"! In this auction, we are thrilled to offer a true piece of memorabilia shared by the worlds of
music and golf. Mr. James Brown was fortunate in having one of Augusta National Golf Club
Members, Mr. Thomas H. Wyman, so adamant in his belief in minority rights. In
the late 1980s, he became acquainted with Mr. Brown through a close friend. This blossomed into a
lasting friendship and support position. Mr. Thomas H. Wyman surprised his friend when he
gave him a set of golf clubs and encouraged him to take up the game, telling the world-famous
James Brown: "Someday, you could drive that big black Lincoln up picturesque Magnolia Lane
and park in front of the clubhouse at Augusta National." This gesture by Mr. Wyman was very
much appreciated but James Brown felt his benefactor might be intimidated and take some heat
from his fellow members by such a gift and the friendship status.
Fast forward half a decade and the story picks up, with Hal Shaw, Founder of The Babe Zaharias Foundation, and Doug Sanders as new characters. At the 1995 Masters, Shaw met up with they
University of Florida roommate, Doug Sanders. They had a female friend in common that was also part of the social group, but before they
really got the conversation going between the three, the front door of the well-known Augusta business opens and there, standing in the doorway, is
"Mr. Soul" himself! He, too, had stopped by to say hello to their female friend and after a lot of
storytelling, poking fun and ribbing each other, Shaw, Sanders and Brown exchanged business cards and got our host
to photograph us (for reference purposes in this listing and part of Shaw's personal collection) as well as signing several balls and gloves for each other. It was a day Shaw would never forget.
In 1997, Shaw got a call from Mr. Brown, wondering if Shaw would be attending that year's Masters. He
related that he was indeed was planning to attend after which Brown asked if they could meet at a certain
church in downtown Augusta and Shaw told him it would be his pleasure to spend time together
again. At this meeting, J.B. (What Hal called James Brown eventually) tells Shaw he wants to donate the clubs in this lot to the
Zaharias Foundation. He had spent time with Babe & "Big George" during Babe's days playing
in the Titleholder's Event. After they left the church, J.B. treated Hal to some soul food, and they
enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together. Afterwards, James Brown opened the trunk of his luxurious
Black Lincoln, lifted out this much discussed bag of golf clubs, and several other donated items.
Shaw thanked him, shook his hand then parted in a very
heartfelt departure.
This remarkable set of golf clubs once belonging to the famous Mr. James Brown, consists of
the following:
1 Vintage Masters Golf Bag with matching head covers
1 Set of Ping Eye 2 Irons 3-S.W. Orange dot all original with matching #s
1 Set of Ping Eye 2 Woods 1-3-5 All original
1 Vintage Ping Anser Putter
1 Vintage Masters Augusta National G.C. golf towel
1 Vintage Masters Tournament 1995 Bag Tag with JAMES BROWN's name in gold, capital
letters. 34 1/2" - 41 1/2"
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