Rare Masters Memorabilia Going Up For Auction
The 12th hole at Augusta National Golf Club offers one of the most memorable images of The Masters. But the entire course is steeped in history and beauty.
A rare piece of Masters memorabilia is going up for auction next week. And it could fetch in the six figures. So what is it? It’s a badge to the first Masters signed by the first Masters champion, Horton Smith! This is an iconic piece of not only golf history, but sports history in general.
The Story Of The Badge
According to an article from The Augusta Chronicle, the badge is set to go up for auction through Christie’s New York on December 6th. The article said the badge’s current owners are an unidentified Augusta couple “known as community and civic leaders,” whose family attended the Masters for more than 50 years.
Christie’s New York says that there are fewer than a dozen badges from the 1934 Masters still believed to be in existence. Now you see why I say. this is rare? The auction house estimated the badge’s initial value between $200,000 and $400,000. Of course it will probably sell for way more than that. In 1934 that badge cost $2.20, which would be roughly $45 today.
Here’s a fun fact for you. In 1934 the tournament wasn’t even called The Masters. It was called “The Augusta National Invitation Tournament”. The tournament wasn’t referred to as The Masters until 1939. I’m anxious to see just how much money this badge fetches next week. The last 1934 Masters badge that was sold last year sold for $600,000.
To read the full article from The Augusta Chronicle on the rare piece of Masters memorabilia going up for auction next week, just click here.
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Speaking of The Masters, did you know there are several things that aren’t allowed on the course? Here’s what they are.
Things That Are Not Allowed At The Masters
There are some things that are not allowed at The Masters. While you can go to the greatest golf tournament in the world and have a great time, these things are definitely frowned upon. Some of them you’ve probably heard about before. However some of these things you might not know.
The Masters is a totally different event than some other events on the PGA Tour. In fact The Masters is basically its own separate entity. There are certain atmospheres in the golf world that are more of a party. The Heritage in Hilton Head and the Waste Management Phoenix Open are definitely more party tournaments. The Masters is different.
Different in a good way. Everyone just understand that at The Masters, you act and treat others with respect. You follow the rules and are happy to do so. Mainly because you’re just so happy to be there and the last thing you want to do is be kicked out. Because if you get kicked out of The Masters, the chances of you finding your way back in are next to impossible.
According to Yahoo, these are some of the things that are not allowed at The Masters. To read the full article, just click here
For more Masters Week stuff, including articles and updates, click here
Bryan “Dub” Axelson is the host of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on KICKS 99 and has been with Beasley Media Group in Augusta for over 20 years. He got his start in radio by being a regular caller on the Kicks 99 morning show. He was soon hired and has worked in various roles in Augusta, including Promotions Director. He was raised in Georgia, and currently lives in Grovetown with his wife Kelsey, their daughter Maddie, and their 3 dogs. Dub enjoys watching sports, playing golf, spending time with his family, and discovering new music.
