This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/28/2014
Original Flag Flown at Augusta National - Gifted from Phil Wahl - Huge 100" x 60"!
Touring professionals normally do not stop their cars to take photos as they drive up to clubhouses for weekly PGA events. Many invited for the first time to play in the Masters, however can not withstand the urge as they turn past the entrance gate and head the 330 yards down Magnolia Lane to pull over, stop get out, and take pictures with Founders Circle and the Clubhouse of the Augusta National as their backdrop. They have finally made it to the Mecca of their boyhood dreams. Founders Circle is positioned next to the circular drive directly in front of the clubhouse. It is here that two plaques rest, one dedicated to Clifford Roberts on November 5, 1977 and the other dedicated to Bobby Jones on March 18, 1978. Positioned at these two plaques is a flagpole which has resided in this location long before the plaques to Jones and Roberts came to be placed. It is here that the huge 100" X 60" foot club flag of the Augusta National flies (for size comparison only, 2014 Masters pin flag is layed next to course colors). The first year that the tradition of hoisting the club colors is not known specifically. What is known is that it is not earlier then the 1950's and very likely in the 1960's. The Golf Auction proudly has what is purported to be the first flag ever hoisted to fly at the club. What is known is that it is one of the first if not the first. This item was gifted in the offices of the National to our consignor by his close friend Phil Wahl(longtime General Manager of the Augusta National under Clifford Roberts. Gifted may not be the right term, it was thrown at our consignor a top PGA executive with Wahl's words, "what do you want that for it's old and going in the trash".
Our consignors foresight saved from an early demise what is undoubtedly one of the scarcest of authentic Augusta National memorabilia which can be acquired. The flag made of nylon in the traditional green hue of The National has been stitched with the ever familiar pinflag and continental United States logo which is easily recognized worldwide as the hallmark of the club. The nylon which comprises this flag has weathered the storm of time well with the two attaching grommets weathered and twisted consistent with their use. Also there is some light soiling in a few areas. As further provenance to the history of this item please find a letter from Frank Christian(of the famed Augusta photographic family which has chronicled through pictures the history of the Augusta National and Masters tournament for the club since day one)who was present when this flag was gifted. Also please find two images of our consignor Ken Devine with Phil Wahl Augusta National GM. Weathered tagging attached to grommet helps to tell story with pencil writing Augusta National Golf Club Augusta on one side and 1965 on the other.
Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on September 28th 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. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended.