A golf ball that Tiger Woods used in the 1997 Masters tournament has been sold at auction for an astonishing $64,000. The ball, which was used during the third round of the tournament, was caught by a fan after Woods hit it into the crowd on the 18th hole. The ball has since been authenticated and verified by the PGA Tour.
The 1997 Masters tournament was a significant event for Woods, as it was his first-ever major championship win. The then-21-year-old golf prodigy made history by setting multiple records and winning the tournament by a record 12 strokes.
The ball was sold by Green Jacket Auctions, a company specializing in the sale of golf memorabilia. The auction took place on April 9, 2023, and attracted a great deal of interest from collectors and fans alike.
According to Ryan Carey, co-owner of Green Jacket Auctions, the ball’s value is a testament to Tiger Woods’ incredible career and the significance of his 1997 Masters victory. “The ball is a piece of golf history and a symbol of one of the greatest achievements in the sport,” Carey said in a statement.
The winning bidder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is believed to be a private collector who has a keen interest in golf memorabilia. The $64,000 price tag makes the ball one of the most expensive pieces of golf memorabilia ever sold.
This isn’t the first time that a golf ball used by Tiger Woods has fetched a high price at auction. In 2019, a ball that Woods used during the 2005 Masters tournament sold for $30,000. The ball was also caught by a fan and later authenticated by the PGA Tour.
As for Tiger Woods himself, the golf legend has yet to comment on the sale of his 1997 Masters ball. However, it’s safe to say that the ball’s impressive price tag is a testament to Woods’ lasting legacy and the enduring appeal of golf memorabilia.