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Agent says Tiger Slam clubs not legit; Auction co-founder hits back: ‘We faced this last time they sold’

Published

2 years ago

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Yesterday, GolfWRX reported that the clubs used for Tiger Woods’ legendary Tiger Slam in 2000 and 2001 were up for auction.

At the time of reporting, the current top bid was $297,955, with the close of auction dated for Masters Sunday, the 9th of April.

However, according to Golf Digest’s Dan Rapaport, there is a question-mark over the set’s authenticity. In a tweet posted yesterday afternoon, Rapaport said:

”Update—Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg denied the legitimacy of the irons. Tiger has the authentic set of the Slam irons his house,” he said when reached for comment.”

Golden Age Auctions are standing by the provenance of the lot, owned by businessman Tod Brock for the past 12 years, commenting, “We would not put anything up for sale we weren’t wholly confident in.”

Bidding had moved on to $327,750 by the time of the tweet and is now at $527,846 at the time of this piece. The clubs are expected to fetch seven figures by the close of the auction.

“I got to enjoy them for 11-12 years,” said Brock on his reason for selling after paying just $57,242 for the irons in 2010. “I live a boring life. I don’t entertain a whole lot, so they weren’t getting the eyes on them that they deserve.”

On the GolfWRX Facebook page, co-founder of Golden Age Golf Auctions, Bob Zafian, further refuted the claims reportedly made by Steinberg that the irons were not authentic. Zafian wrote: 

“I got these myself back then from a VP at Titleist. Then I hired a polygraph examiner, and there’s much more proof and affidavits.”, and added “We faced this last time they sold. Not unexpected.”

Current owner and co-founder of Golden Age Golf Auctions, has also come out to defend the listing saying: 

“The two Titleist executives who were in charge of Tiger’s clubs have signed sworn affidavits asserting their legitimacy, one took a polygraph and passed it, and the original buyer in 2010 did his due diligence as well.

And just take a look at the 8-iron wear mark. That club was clearly struck in the dead center thousands of times by the greatest ball-striker in the world. If Tiger believes he has these clubs at his house, we’d love to see them.

This is what we do. And this is my livelihood. I would not put anything up for sale that I wasn’t wholly confident in.”

It’s worth noting that back in 2020 when Tiger showed off his impressive golf club collection from his home, the only ‘Tiger Slam’ club that Woods showed the cameras was his driver.

The final offer will surely beat the current most expensive lot in golf history – the first green jacket won by Horton Smith – sold for $682,000 at auction in 2013, and this debate can only fuel the publicity and, ultimately, more bids.

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19th Hole

Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis

Published

21 hours ago

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May 9, 2024

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According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.

Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.

However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”

The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.

The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.

The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.

The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

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2 days ago

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May 8, 2024

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On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

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2 days ago

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May 8, 2024

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This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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