Champion Tiger Woods' 2008 U.S. Open Contestant Badge From Torrey Pines
Absent from collectors' wish-lists simply because it was previously perceived wasted ink and hope, held out for an item that would never surface for public consumption was this museum-grade relic - until now. Showcased here is Tiger Woods' 2008 US Open contestant badge poised for hobby immortality, your eyes are not deceiving you.
Sourced directly from the family of Torrey Pines Hotel manager (2003-2009) Bill Friese, with a signed letter of provenance from his twin brother Tom, we offer Tiger Woods' actual 2008 U.S. Open Contestant's Badge used in his historic win at Torrey Pines. With brilliant clutch putting Tiger Woods willed himself into an 18 hole playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open, and again his deft skills on the green pulled out victory in the Monday playoff. Woods and Rocco Mediate were deadlocked after 72 holes (-1) and again after the 18-hole playoff. It took unparalleled determination by Woods to withstand a broken leg over 91 holes, creating one of The Big Cat's signature moments during his illustrious career. The win would be as memorable as they come, for Tiger, for the US Open, USGA, golf and all of sport. 12.1 million viewers watched the fourth round, 2nd highest for a US Open Sunday in the past three decades. Monday would be another 4.7 million, marking it the most watched golf telecast in cable history. This was Tiger Woods' 3rd US Open and 14th major championship, coming on the same day he celebrated 500 weeks as world number one.
In March of 2021 we sold Payne Stewart’s 1999 US Open Contestant badge for a record $36,497 to very comfortably set the contestant badge record. Like that example, collectors didn't have this piece on their wish list as they had never imagined it would be obtainable to them. Tiger's final US Open victory contestant badge is certainly on par with Payne's and could very well unseat it at the top of the category.
Tiger's actual contestants badge in this lot employs traditional USGA contestant badge design, the Great Seal is depicted in detail just above a horizontal nameplate stripe cleanly engraved with ten uppercase letters in that year's official font - 'TIGER WOODS.' The metal badge of admittance inside the Championship ropes remains in near mint condition with original pin clasp firmly attached on the reverse. A rare opportunity to own a piece of personal memorabilia used in the winning of the United States Open Championship, perhaps its most famous - Tiger Woods. A signed letter of provenance from Tom Friese will accompany this lot. Also included is a letter from 2008 US Open manager Mike Antolini thanking Bill for his 'integral part he played in supporting one of the most successful US Opens ever' on behalf of the USGA staff for his work at the tournament.
William J. “Bill” Friese was a proud graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management, Bill's professional journey began in the hospitality sector, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He worked for several prestigious organizations such as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, CA. As an Executive Assistant Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise, contributing significantly to the success of properties in Dearborn, MI, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Buckhead, GA, and Philadelphia. His career was highlighted by his role in earning several AAA Five Diamond awards at Torrey Pines where he also helped host multiple PGA Tour events including the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship won by Tiger Woods. Through Friese's close relationship with Tiger & the USGA, The Golf Auction is proud to present this prized possession that has remained in the family collection since 2008. As mentioned prior, a signed letter of provenance by Tom Friese, the late Bill Friese's twin brother, comes with this lot.
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