Historic Augusta National Amen Corner Plans Signed by Alister MacKenzie with Handwritten Notes -JSA & PSA - Newly Discovered!
The Golf Auction has presented countless golf artifacts over the past 12 years, but nothing as historic as this museum quality plan of Augusta National Signed by Alister MacKenzie with handwritten notes featuring the most hallowed ground known to the sporting world - Amen Corner!
"One of the most significant finds in golf course architecture collectibles, ever. This should rock the world of golf collectibles.” - Mike Hurdzan, the world renowned Golf Architect of Erin Hills, site of the 2017 U.S. Open, noted golf architecture collector and 2021 Golf Heritage Society Hall of Fame Inductee
Not only is this treasure signed by Dr. MacKenzie, he added the inscription “Alister MacKenzie, golf course architect.” More amazingly, Dr. MacKenzie personally added detailed hand notes and thoughts on routing and play at the famous 3rd and 4th holes (now holes 12 & 13 - Amen Corner). This composite map will surely claim its rightful spot in the upper echelon of golf’s historical finds. As many are aware, the front and back nines at Augusta National were switched following the Augusta National Invitational Tournament in 1934. These plans are from the early stages of the course’s development, dating to approximately 1931 as they show the early workings and ideas of MacKenzie and Jones. The longest yardage previously documented for the Third Hole Par 3 (12th – Golden Bell today) was 150 yards, this document presents a range of 145-165 yards. This early design of the Fourth Hole Par 4 (13th – Azalea today) shows it as a par 4 with the intended yardage being 430-440 yards. This is Amen Corner before Amen Corner ever came into existence, and these are golf holes named merely for their number, and not yet after a flower from the original Fruitland Nursery property which preceded the famous course. Here is your chance to acquire a document that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of sports most magnificent documents, including Basketball Inventor James Naismith’s 13 Rules of Basketball which brought $4.3 million in auction in 2010.
“An unreal piece that could go for $500,000.00+" - Darren Rovell, noted Sports Journalist & Esteemed Memorabilia Collector recently declared on Twitter
MacKenzie’s handwritten notes regarding each hole are listed below. His mention of position “A” and “B” is in reference to two sets of tees. He wrote:
Third Hole: The tee is on high ground (from which) the green & stream are very visible
There is a beautiful mounded hill slope beyond the green. A is the medal
position for the pin. The green is very narrow at (this spot) and is
wide when played (along) B position (route but this involves rolling) a long putt
across a valley swale to the medal position of the pin
It will be noted that stepping stones lead to the green in place of the usual bridge
Fourth Hole: This is a dog legged (leg) hole played diagonally over a
(stream). The straight & courageous player has a (great) advantage for
his first & second shots.
It will be (noted there is not a single bunker at either of these holes
There are only (twenty-two bunkers) on the Augusta National
A.M.
Click for Video of Plans Signed by Alister MacKenzie
This piece originated from Wendell P. Miller, Chief Engineer responsible for overseeing the building of the Augusta National golf course starting in 1931. He worked alongside Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie during the construction of the course, as well as assisting on other MacKenzie's designs around the globe. A prominent Golf Course Drainage Engineer, Miller marketed himself with the statement “The Best Greenkeeper in the world cannot maintain perfect turf unless his course is well drained: think it over”. Shortly after the opening of Augusta National, Wendell P. Miller passed away on August 13, 1935 at the young age of 39. He had been supervising work on the new Southern Hills golf course in Tulsa, OK at the time.
Wendell P. Miller’s grandson William ‘Bill’ R. Miller, recently discovered this drawing, rolled in a tube, in a closet at his deceased father’s house (the son of Wendell P. Miller) containing this archival work belonging his grandfather. Based on its location within the home, Bill Miller estimates it had been there for at least seventy years. The closet was hardly touched since Bill’s father, Wendell S. Miller, bought the house in 1951. It is clear the Miller family knew this composite map had great significance since it was protected from the elements and stored within their home for for several generations. Only now is it finally seeing the light of day for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Our view is this is the most significant piece of golf memorabilia brought to public auction in recent memory.
Augusta National Golf Club
The 3rd – 145-165 – Par 3
The 4th – 430-440 – Par 4
For preservation purposes, we placed the plans between two custom pieces of plexi glass after it’s discovery at the Miller home in a protective tube. No alterations have been made to the original pennings of MacKenzie. Please note the displayed images with this offering are shown with the piece of plexi glass on top, and the background has been removed for a clean presentation. The top left corner is a separate piece from the body of the plan, placed in its proper location. In summary this rendering from the earliest days of the home of the Masters, and is without a doubt, the most significant piece of Augusta National history ever to be presented at auction. A museum-worthy piece that may never again be available for consideration! Authenticity for the rare signature of MacKenzie along with his hand written notations is provided in full letters of authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA - #XX34359) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA - #AG53920), both industry leaders in sports authentication throughout the world. Letter from the Wendell P. Miller family also accompanies this lot. *Transcription of notes has been updated as of 12/4) 22 1/8” x 14 ¾”
*Update: We have confirmed that this is the first depiction of Augusta National from MacKenzie to be published as it was presented in the article Bobby Jones' "The Ideal Golf Course," in the '1932 Annual Golf Review' magazine, The magazine also features Bobby Jones on the cover, and is seldom seen. Dr. MacKenzie's handwritten pencil notations are typed out below the image in the published format that used these original plans, with the signature also being covered up by publisher. This builds the excitement to an even higher level as this exact item was chosen by Dr. MacKenzie and Bobby Jones to showcase their ideas regarding the yet to be revealed and highly anticipated course*