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Golf balls dating back to 1840 create bidding war at auction

Published

2 years ago

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Enthusiasts will pay for the chance to own and collect part of their love, and golf die-hards are no different.

Earlier this year, GolfWRX reported on an auction of clubs used at the ‘Tiger Slam’ and, at the end of August, Golf Digest covered the sale of “some of the rarest, most valuable and historic balls ever produced.”

So said golf historian Jeff Ellis about the auction of over 75 antique golf balls, in a bidding war open to anyone until September 17th.

Listed as part of the Desert Mountain Collection, notable collector and auctioneer Ellis told Golf Digest, “I’ve not seen a collection of historic golf balls like this come out to the market in one shot in a long time,” and with seven of the series already shooting past the $1000 opening bid, the publicity is sure to keep the price moving in one direction.

Currently, number one in the bidding is Lot #11, the ‘Globe Map of the World Ball’ from 1908. Listed as, “made as a miniature globe, complete with labeled continents, oceans, and a few other places such as the North Pole, New Zealand, Britain, and Japan.” Indeed, “when this ball was introduced by J. P. Cochrane in 1908, it was so creative that it was immediately seen as destined for museums.”

As I write, Lot #11 is at $5053, whilst just behind are Lot #3 and Lot #1, both illustrating the work and bearing the names of their legendary makers – Allan Robertson and Tom Morris.

The Robertson ‘Featherball’ dates from circa 1840, and has never been used, still bearing the maker’s stamp and reference number – 29 – the weight and size.

Ellis told the publication that, “To find a mint ball like this is a real treasure,” before adding that the owner “just had an appreciation of the game of golf and its equipment as it was played early in the 19th century and before.”

At just under $3800, Lot #1 may seem a relative bargain, especially given the circumstances in which it came into production.

The auction site state that, “After years of working with Allan Robertson and perfecting the intricate art of making feather balls, he [Morris] successfully navigated their eventual demise by embracing the gutta-percha ball in both work and play.”

The ball is hand-hammered with details from the pen of Morris himself and, “all things considered, this ball is dripping with history, in outstanding original condition with the name stamp clearly visible, and would be a cornerstone addition to any golf collection anywhere in the world. No name from the 19th century is bigger than that of Old Tom Morris, and Morris-stamped balls are far more rare than Morris-stamped clubs.”

Ellis added a human side to the obvious sales pitch.

“It’s dang rare,” he said. “Its imperfections are authentic. The imperfections are what makes it real. What’s remarkable about this ball is its condition. You can find others that might have that T.MORRIS stamping but some of the letters are missing. The character of the ball, everything about it, has great age.”To put the lot into context with its  market rival, Ellis explained:

“There are a lot more Allan Robertson feather balls out there than there are Tom Morris hand-hammered gutta percha balls. So that is going to be the defining motivation for the bids, its rarity.”

There is plenty more on offer, from putters to medals, from irons to tees, and currently there are 25 lots without a bid.

Get along to Jeff Ellis Auctions to grab yourself a piece of golf history.

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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

14 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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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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