Arnold Palmer's Caddie Royce Nielson's Masters Caddy Worn Green Footjoy Shoes & Bag Towel

Here we present a Master’s Towel and FootJoy Caddy shoes used by Royce Nielson circa 1986 while looping for Arnold Palmer at The Masters. These have not been used since that Masters. The size 9 1/2 shoes and towel were made by Footjoy specifically for the tournament and issued to the Caddy by Augusta National. These pieces originate from The Royce Nielson Collection. A signed letter of provenance from Royce Nielson comes with this lot.

Royce Nielson Collection

Mr. Arnold Palmer's caddie, travel companion and confidant from 1983-1995, Royce Nielson, was asked what it was like by a curious 'Golfweek' in 2014. “When I worked for (Mr. Palmer), I used to tell people it was like going around with the Statue of Liberty. People would just be gaping … they couldn’t believe they were really seeing him,” Nielson replied. Few were closer to Arnie than Nielson was for those 13 years. A cake walk right? Royce Nielson shared with us through a wry grin that it wasn't easy work, and he would often put in a 7-day week. Without missing a beat, and heightened vigor, Nielson added how fortunate he was to have enjoyed Arnold Palmer and the game of golf from the unique vantage point that he did. Was Royce Nielson a family friend or business associate with an inside track to get appointed? Quite the contrary. Nielson landed the bag of a lifetime by the combination of happenstance and taking advantage of the opportunity. The young, fledgling golf cart salesman whose territory included Florida, Nielson went to Orlando's Bay Hill in hopes of walking away with a cart order in 1983. Instead he got a bag of clubs from caddiemaster Paul Johnson...to carry. It would be the golf club's owner Arnold Palmer's bag after he quickly impressed Johnson and then his new boss.

Nielson looped for five of Mr. Palmer's professional wins, including his last as a professional and eight Masters Tournaments. In chronological order these Palmer victories were the: 1986 Union Mutual Classic, 1988 Crestar Classic, 1990 and 1992 Senior Skins Game tournaments, and a Canadian Senior Skins Game tournament. Stories were too many to share. However, Royce's animated tale of boxing out the media members just off the 18th at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont to shelter 'The King' who was overcome with emotions following his final US Open walk was certainly a lasting tale from the visit. Royce is now selling these cherished items due to health concerns and lack of heirs to distribute to in the future. It is with our distinct pleasure to offer the Royce Nielson Collection from his time with Arnold Palmer.

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