Titanic' Thompson's Personal Used Irons, Woods and Putter in Bag

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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/4/2024

Titanic' Thompson's Personal Used Irons, Woods and Putter in Bag

Probably one of the most notorious figures in golf was Alvin Clarence Thomas, better known by the moniker "Titanic Thompson". He spent many of his "vacationing" days at the Tampa Golf & Country Club, owned by the world renowned Babe & George Zaharias. Babe & Big George Zaharias had many friends that dropped by to play golf & possibly stay overnight in the clubhouse lodging quarters. Mr. Thomas's stays were usually more than just overnight. He had his own suite/apartment that was paid up in advance. This became his base of operation while in Tampa. His assorted avenues for gambling would allow him to be absent from the clubhouse for several days visiting old friends involved with the underground mafia of Ybor City or the high rollers at the Tampa Greyhound Dog Track. On one occasion, he phoned Babe saying he would like to bring several of his old friends by to play a round of golf if she put together a foursome for some friendly wagering. "Titanic Thompson" showed up with Johnny Moss, Benny Binion and a stranger, introduced as "Mr. Smith" or "Smitty". Babe made a tour of the clubhouse and made a few phone calls to form a foursome that included a local professional Burl Bolesta, Joe Torres, a local fireman with many city titles to his credit, and an unknown "ringer" named Ulmer Hawkins. In the first foursome Babe and her unknown partner played Titanic Thompson and Johnny Moss. In the second foursome Burl Bolesta & Joe Torres took on Benny Binion and the stranger "Smitty" The 18 hole matches ended with Babe and Ulmer winning their side 2 & 1. Burl & Joe lost their match 2 down. Babe was suspicious of Titanic Thompson's playability and she was right. He suggested a wager to get even. Titanic's great idea, since Babe was a terrific athlete, was to see who could throw a golf ball the farthest. Babe & Ulmer had won $1200.00 from Titanic & his partner, so that was put on the line with the additional bet of the longest toss would be awarded $100.00 each yard past the shortest throw! Titanic's only stipulation being that his friend throw in his place because of the bad shoulder he had been nursing all day. Babe agreed, but anticipating something of this nature, selected one of her foursome to do the honors. Babe also made another provision - - losers lost their clubs. Mr. Alvin Clarence Thomas's game plan was perfect now because his friend "Smitty" was a former baseball pitcher. What he didn't know was Babe's ringer was known for his prodigious throws of a golf ball. Smitty's mighty heave traveled 118 yards. Ulmer Hawkins flew his ball 139 yards. Titanic Thompson, along with everybody else, was totally amazed. Mr. Thomas and his friends left Tampa the next day. Note: The next day Alvin Clarence Thomas AKA "Titanic Thompson" & his friends were challenged to a match by three of Tampa's famous golfing Bolesta Family. These were Henry Bolesta, long time residing professional at Palma Ceia C.C., Burl Bolesta, former P.G.A. Tour Player & Wesley Bolesta, Scratch Amateur & local businessman. We don't know the final financial outcome of this encounter, but we do know "Titanic & His Buddies" left Tampa the following day! This set of Titanic Thompson's clubs and bag consist of the following: Tommy Armour MacGregor Left Hand woods 1-2-3 Tommy Armour MacGregor Left Hand Irons 2-9 AG Spalding Cash-In Putter Tourney MacGregor Double Service Left Hand Wedge 34" - 42"

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