Tiger Woods Signed Masters Logo Golf Ball -Obtained at Tiger's 1st Major 1995 Augusta-JSA FULL LETTER
Offered in this lot is the earliest know signature on a Masters logo golf ball of Tiger Woods (if you have ever seen an authentic one from any time period, your in the 1% of collectors). It was signed when Woods, at age 19, played in his first Major, the 1995 Masters. He tied for 41st a full two years before his 12 stroke win at the history changing 1997 Masters. After 1997, Tiger has virtually never signed any golf ball (this one displays bold black sharpie, call it a "9" strength of signature). Just ask the leading authenticators in the field - JSA, Beckett and PSA/DNA how many Tiger Masters logo they have seen, the answer most often is none. Offered here is a single exception, if you collect Masters champion signed logo balls this may well be your only opportunity of a lifetime. A full JSA letter of authenticity will accompany this lot. Wood's highly sought after signature appears on this Masters DDH ball. The ball itself has a short window of production, with Dunlop not having produced a ball of any kind in over ten years. This is one we know is a hole on the checklist for even the most sophisticated of autographed golf ball collectors. Enough of the auction banter here is the personal story from the man in his own words who had the foresight to obtain Tiger on a Masters logo ball as an amateur.
"I got it personally at my one trip to the Masters in 1995. There was gangly kid Tiger walking down the way by the clubhouse with no one around him. His last year as an amateur. I knew his amateur record so asked him to sign Augusta ball I had just purchased as a souvenir in the small pro shop. Definitely one of my fond memories as I actually did the Grand Slam that year. I traveled to and spectate at all four majors which included Corey at Shinnecock, Daly at St. Andrews and was it Elkington at Riviera. Of course it was Ben Crenshaw's tearful win at Augusta. Augusta more gorgeous than shows on tv was quite a highlight of my life. At age 78 and being a disabled Vietnam Vet I treasure the memories. I don't know what authentication entails. I was just a fan getting an autograph. More of my story is that I had housed Tom Kite's long time caddie, Mike Carrick at each Bob Hope tournament here in Palm Springs where I live. In 1995, that year Kite asked me if I would like a ticket to the Masters if I would share it, every other day, or am, pm with Mike's wife. I said absolutely. First day I bumped in to Mrs. Billy Casper whom I knew from the desert. She asked if I had credentials and gave me a badge of one of her sons who wasn't attending. So I went from a grounds only ticket every other day to a former Masters champion's family badge. Now I was eating upstairs in the players' area with Billy. Lol. Great , huh. Sorry for long windedness. Then St Andrews and Daly. And it was Arnie's last appearance. Quite a deal."
We could not write it any better, this ball is QUITE A DEAL!
AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
This auction will end at 9:00pm EST Sunday, May 19th, with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items that have received multiple bids in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period (at 10pm EST, the countdown clock will be adjusted to a 5 minute interval)
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3. All lots that are active in extended bidding will close at the same time, and those with only ONE or NO BIDS will close at 9pm EST