Tony Lema Signed Champagne Bottle From His 1964 Cleveland Open Win JSA COA

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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/10/2014

Tony Lema Signed Champagne Bottle

We at The Golf Auction have had the opportunity to work with some unique, high value golf items over the years. This will most likely not go down as the most expensive item we have every had, but in the "WOW" factor it will be right up there. Offered here is a full unopened bottle of Moet Champagne form Tony Lema's victory celebration following his win at the 1964 Cleveland Open, 50 years ago this summer. Lema in the post tournament celebration autographed the bottle and presented it to Bob Bourne(who was in the event via his performance of winning the Ohio Amateur in 1963)the low amateur in the tournament. It has been kept in that unopened state until this day (most likely the only unopened signed Lema Champagne bottle to exist today). How did the nickname "Champagne Tony" begin? It began on the eve of his victory in October 1962 at the Orange County Open, Lema joked he would serve champagne to the press if he won the next day. Good to his word the champagne toast with the media followed his victory the next day, and from then on he was known as "Champagne Tony". That triumph sparked Lema's career and PGA fan popularity which fell only second to Arnold Palmer on Tour in the mid-60's. Following his 1964 playoff win over Arnold Palmer in the Cleveland Open at Highland Park Golf Course, the next month Lema was on top of the golf world with his career defining triumph at the British Open held at St. Andrews. A Ryder Cupper in 1963 and '65, Lema would post a (9-1-1) carer mark top pct. ever for a player with two or more Cup appearances. Tragedy hit the golf world in 1966, when Lema at 32 years-old died in the crash of the double-engine plane he was a passenger in. From that day he would always be remembered as a rising star on Tour, fan favorite, and certainly a media favorite for the victory tradition of "Champagne Tony".

James Spence Authentication(JSA) has reviewed this signature, and their letter of authenticity comes with this lot.

In order to bid in extended bidding you must place a bid on the lot before 9pm on auction closing day. The Golf Auction's Spring Auction will end in two sessions on April 10th and April 13th, 2014. Session 1 (Lots 1-400) will end on April 10th, 2014 at 9:00pm EST with extended bidding to follow. Session 2 (Lots 401+) will end on April 13th, 2014 at 9:00pm EST with extended bidding to follow. Get your bids in before the session ends.