Tiger Woods' Pro Debut 1996 GMO Volunteer Badge - Seldom Seen
"I Guess Hello World." The well chronicled Tiger Woods story has had many twists and turns, with many of the lows creating even higher highs. Triumph and tribulation. These four words were said with a youthful smile at the eve presser of his professional debut at the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open by the then 3-time US Amateur champion. In front of a vintage Miller Lite logo tournament backdrop the first of many iconic professional moments occurred - a great start to the week in which 20-year-old Tiger Woods' second highlight would come during the final round Sunday with a 1 on the scorecard for hole #14 in which we auctioned in 2023 March for a world record scorecard sum of $125k.
Up for bidding is this vibrant laminated '96 GMO series Volunteer badge from Tiger Woods' first professional event week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is the first volunteer badge we have seen. Please note via pictures that the '1996 GMO' and 'Volunteer' are present, albeit a little faded from exposure to the sun. Woods took home his first tournament check of $2,544 for a t-60 finish, a bank account deposit that meant more to him than the $43 million he had already received in endorsement deals. This ticket/badge has reached new heights, the rookie card for a cultural icon in a quickly growing category (especially debuts). Graded examples of the ticket have set records with realized sales of $87,000 and $99,000 for PSA 8 and 9 examples respectively and a 'proof' example we previously offered commanding $5,229. This Volunteer badge includes classic 1990's style graphics, once worn by a volunteer viewing the most anticipated pro debut of memory. Elevate your Tiger Woods and ticket collection with this example that was on the grounds for Tiger Woods' 'Hello World' moment.
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