In 2016, Arnold Palmer passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time. One of his most iconic possessions was his green jacket, which he earned after winning the Masters tournament in 1958. Unfortunately, reports by CNBC’s Darren Rovell revealed that Palmer’s green jacket was among the items stolen from Augusta National Golf Club over a 13-year period.
Despite federal investigators not mentioning Palmer’s Green Jacket specifically, nor did Augusta National Golf Club officials acknowledge its absence, Richard Brendan Globensky was recently charged by federal authorities for transporting and transferring millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise and memorabilia from Augusta National Golf Club from 2009 to 2022. Globensky, who had access to the stolen merchandise and memorabilia as a former warehouse coordinator at Augusta National who supervised the Masters merchandise sold each year, is believed to have been aware that the items were stolen.
During a private sale arranged by a member of Augusta National who knew Palmer’s missing jacket was missing in 2022, his Green Jacket was recovered. The collector, known for finding rare items, verified its authenticity and arranged for its sale for $3.6 million. However, upon leaving the seller’s house with the jacket, the buyer and collector were confronted by FBI agents who seized it and questioned them about their involvement in its theft.
After Palmer’s passing in 2016, Augusta National paid tribute to him by placing his Green Jacket on a chair at the course during The Masters tournament. While Palmer had multiple Green Jackets throughout his career, it is believed that this particular one was taken during his first victory at The Masters in 1958.
In conclusion, while Arnold Palmer may no longer be with us physically today, his legacy lives on through The Masters tournament and many other golf fans around the world who admire him for his talent and sportsmanship on and off-the-course.