Every sort of unusual thing happens in the golf industry. Whether it is entities getting robbed or a very old ticket selling for 300x its original price. Did we reveal it too soon? Oh well, so just you all know, a rare ticket from Tiger Woods’s professional golf tour debut in 1992 has been sold for a staggering 300 times its original price, three decades later.
In 1992, Tiger Woods played his first professional tournament at the Los Angeles Open in Riviera. He was just 16 at the time and was able to play because of a sponsor exemption. Woods became the youngest male competitor in an official Tour event that week. Tickets from this event have become highly sought after by collectors and golf enthusiasts, which has driven its value so much that everyone is shocked.
The Golf Auction recently set up a 32-year-old ticket for purchase, and buyers from all around the world were ready for the treat. The original ticket, which was priced at $25, was sold for $8,674. 51. We were as shocked as you are right now after seeing the price. But the news is legit. The one reason for this price is definitely its uniqueness.
Only 30 examples of this ticket exist, making it a true holy grail for golf collectors and enthusiasts. The rarity of this ticket is mind-blowing but understandable. Who would have thought to save a ticket from a local teenager’s first professional tournament? Clearly, not a lot of people. This specific ticket, with its blue and red print variant, was exclusive to the Golf’s Golden Circle (GGC) and granted access to the grounds, clubhouse, and a day of the holder’s choosing.
USA Today via Reuters
Another reason for the high price is its mint condition, which features strong coloring, surfaces, edging, and corners. And last, the last reason for its price is Tiger Woods’s performance at the event.
Tiger Woods’s performance at his first professional event
Thirty-two years ago, at the 1992 Los Angeles Open, a 16-year-old Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut, sporting a white hat, red and white shirt, gray trousers, and white shoes. He was only playing half an hour away from his home, but the jitters he must have faced were unimaginable. Woods stepped onto the first tee, feeling the weight of expectation, and it turned out to be a humbling experience for him.
Woods shot 72 in Round 1 and 75 in Round 2, totaling 147 (+5), a far cry from the dominance he would later display. He finished 17 shots behind 36-hole leader Davis Love III. The golfer realized that he had more work to do before joining the professional ranks, which he did 4 and a 1/2 years later. Despite the disappointing start, Woods’ talent and potential were still evident, and he was determined to learn from his mistakes and improve.
“It was a learning experience. I learned I wasn’t that good. I learned I have a long way to go. I’m not competitive at this level. I am at the junior level, but not at the pro level. These guys are so much better. I didn’t think I was ready for it, and it showed me that I’m not. I just have to grow up, that’s all,” said Woods after missing the cut in Riviera.
What are your thoughts on Tiger Woods’s debut memorabilia? Will you like to get one for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
