2018 April Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2018
Bob Kletcke 41 years Augusta National Head Pro game used Sand Wedge #CI35680
At Augusta he was exposed to numerous great players from Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus, corporate CEOs, and celebrities. He became a favorite teacher of frequent visitor and avid golfer President Dwight Eisenhower.
“Teaching General Ike was a priceless experience,” Kletcke stated. “I looked forward to our sessions which were quite intense. He had a recurring slice that hampered his game, and he worked hard to get better. He was always appreciative of any help.”
“On one occasion,” Kletcke continued, “he stopped by the golf shop in the pouring rain to thank me for a lesson. I was honored.”
Other prominent students included Vice Presidents Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew, and Secretaries of State James Baker and George Schultz.
Kletcke had kind words for Cliff Roberts, the legendary Augusta member who ran the club with an iron hand. “He was tough and demanding—a perfectionist—but he was fair. He was always nice to me and that’s something I can’t forget.”
Unfortuntely, Kletcke didn’t see much of the great Bobby Jones, one of golf’s all-time greats. “His health was declining when I first got there, so he didn’t come to the club very often. But when I did talk with him he was awe-inspiring. He was a true Southern gentleman.” 35 1/4"
Please note: This auction will end at 5:00pm EST on Sunday, April 8th, with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. Still the lowest rate among major golf auction houses, there is a buyer's premium of 17.5% for all items. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended.
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