Tiger Woods 2002 Scotty Cameron Backup putter – $393,300
Tiger Woods is back with another entry, the 2002 Scotty Cameron Backup putter. The club stood out with its exquisite craftsmanship, which included machined titanium and 303 stainless steel. Although Woods used it only as a backup to his preferred Newport 2 putter, its high quality saw it rake in $393,300 in a 2021 auction.
Robert T. ‘Bobby’ Jones’ Personal Augusta Green Jacket – $310,700
Bobby Jones will always be honored as the man behind the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. Before that, Jones dominated top-level amateur competition from 1923 to 1930. The first Green Jacket was custom-made for Jones in 1937, even before it came to symbolize winning the Masters Tournament. The Jones’ jacket sold for $310,700 in August 2011.
Andrew Dickson’s 18th-Century Long-Nosed Putter – $181,000
Andrew Dickson’s Long-Nosed Putter is considered the oldest verified golf club in the world, with authentic roots traceable back to the 1700s. The putter bears the maker’s initials, “A.D.”, which stands for Andrew Dickson, and the latter owner’s stamp, “JAMES McCAUL”. The sentimental club sold at a 2007 Sotheby’s auction for $181,000.
Simon Cossar Fruitwood Metal Headed Blade Putter – $165,000
Scottish clubmaker Simon Cossar became a reputable brand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, stamping his name on clubs for authenticity. His Fruitwood Metal Headed Blade Putter features a fruitwood shaft, a metal-headed blade putter, and a matching attached hosel. The club sold at a Christie’s auction for $165,000 in 1998.
Square Toe Light Iron from the 17th Century – $151,000
There are no longer many surviving iron heads, but among the few remaining is the square-toe light iron golf club that sold at the Sotheby’s 2007 auction for $151,000. The club hails from the 17th century, when irons were hand-forged and hammered by a blacksmith or an armorer, adding to its historical rarity and value.
Parting Shot
The items above show the priceless nature of golf memorabilia, whether collectibles from the sport’s greatest players or equipment from the game’s formative years. It also shows the golf community’s great love for their favorite sport and willingness to dig deep into their bank accounts for a unique window into the game’s history.