Tiger Woods souvenir might’ve been misplaced by $3.3B-worth businessman - “It’s probably in our house somewhere”
Many Tiger Woods-related items have garnered attention over the years. One such golfing item has apparently been misplaced, however. Stephens Inc. CEO Warren Stephens had possession of a golf ball Woods used in his win at the 1997 Masters when he defeated Tom Kite. Since it was the legendary golfer's first major win, the golf ball holds a special place in the golf world.
The $3.3B-worth businessman (according to Forbes) joined the latest episode of the Golfer's Journal podcast and told American writer Tom Coyne about the 1997 Masters Tournament golf ball going missing. He said (via GolfDigest):
“My oldest son was 11, he was sitting on 18 when Tiger walked off…Tiger or Fluff put the ball, gave the ball to our son. Now, the million-dollar question is where is it? And I’m not 100 percent sure. I’m not really sure. Um, I think we’ve still got it somewhere. . . . Well, it’s probably in our house somewhere.”
Stephens’ father, Jackson T. Stephens, was the chairman of the Augusta National from 1991 to 1998.
While the exact whereabouts of the ball Woods used to clinch the 1997 Masters title remain unknown, several artifacts related to the legendary golfer have been auctioned off for helfy sums over the years.
9 most valuable Tiger Woods' memorabilia items
Many Tiger Woods-related items have gone out for auction over the years. The valuable pieces have been sold for hefty prices and the list of collectibles have included his Titleist 681-T irons, golf gloves, and more. Here's a collection of nine Woods-related items that went for auction over the years (as per The Memorabilia Club):
1.Tiger Woods irons
Woods’ Titleist 681-T irons, which he used to win four majors, were sold for $5,156,162 at Golden Age Auctions in 2022.
2. Signed golf ball
A golf ball autographed by Woods was sold in 2019 for $2,030. This was the same ball he used to win the 2000 US Open by defeating Ernie Els. That year, his total score was 12-under.
3. Tiger Woods' putter
The putter Woods used at the 1999 WGC-American Express Championship was sold for $600,000 at an auction in 2013. That year, he defeated Miguel Angel Jimenez in a playoff round.
4. Signed golf cap
Woods' 2015 Masters Tournament cap that was worn and signed by him sold for $1500 at a 2017 auction.
5. Golf bag
Woods's golf bag for the 2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational was sold in 2019 for $16,250. He finished at T31 at the PGA Tour event.
6. Nike golf shoes
A pair of Nike shoes worn by Woods at the 2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational sold for $10,000 at an auction.
7. First professional scorecard
Woods' first scorecard was sold for $104,741 at TheGolfAuction.com last year. The scorecard was signed by Woods and had 46 bids in total.
8. 1997 Masters scorecard
Woods' 1997 scorecard was sold for $57,242 at a 2016 auction.
9. Signed golf glove
A golf glove that Tiger Woods wore at the 2009 Presidents Cup was sold for $1375 at a 2014 auction.