Actual Course Flown 18th hole flag from Jack Nicklaus' 16th Major win at 1980 US Open

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2010

In the writting of auction lot descriptions it is important to not overuse the word "rare". It is our privilege to offer three "rare" lots (#1,#4,#5)course flown flags from the 18th holes at three of Jack Nicklaus' 18 major victories. A golf tradition over the years is for the Championship winners caddy to claim these flags. The three incredible momentoes offered here come from the collection of Hall of Fame caddy Angelo Argea, Nicklaus long-time caddy from the 1960's-80's who was "on the bag" for each of these three major victories of Jack. A letter of provenance from Argea's dentist who purchased the flags directly from Angelo and has retained them until this auction documents how they have been solely in Angelo and his possession. Lot #1 is a museum worthy golf treasure of extraordinary proportion. The 18th hole flag that flew at Baltusrol Golf Club on June 15, 1980 when Jack captured his 16th Major. This victory also saw Nicklaus' set the record at 272 for lowest U.S. Open score. As he closed out Isao Aoki on the 18th green for victory. Nicklaus was cheered 'Jack is Back, Jack is Back'by the large crowd as several New Jersey state troopers rushed him away for what turned out to be one of the longest press conferences ever-lasting till after 10p.m. During the post-championship celebration, Angelo rightfully claimed his prized 18th hole flag. The historical 18th hole marker measures "14 1/2 by "19 made out of a nylon fabric (Different in texture and hue of color yellow from flags the USGA would market several years later) which shows moderate plus use over it's entire body. The lower right hand corner exhibits a larger stained area (possibly dirt). The two-tone flag (yellow/navy) has the emblem of the United States Golf Association along with the #18 and U.S. Open. Along the left side of the flag are three well worn grommets, two of which still retain small strands of fibor which would have attached flag to pin. A small tag "1/2 by "1 1/2 is stitched to the reverse of the flag containing the manufacturing information "STANDARD GOLF FLAGS By Standard Golf Co. Cedar Falls , Iowa". Along the left side of the flag, in the handwritting of Angelo on masking tape is written U.S. Open 1980 Balustral(Sic). Perfectly centered on the flag is a black sharpie signature of the champion Jack Nicklaus. A letter from James Spence Authentication accompanies this item verifying the authenticity of the signature.Please note photos adjoining this lot which show Angelo tending the flag while Jack putts, and various shots of the flag with it's tagging and attached note from Angelo. This victory, his record tying fourth U.S. Open Championship, helped seal Nicklaus' claim as the best golfer ever. With this in mind it is without trepidation of overstatement of significance that we at the Golf Auction conclude. That few collectors can potentially seriously consider buying one, much less all three of these 18th hole course flown flags. But for those who can consider such a committtment. These artifacts from Jack Nicklaus' career represent a remarkable and unique opportunity.