Billionaire Loses Priceless Tiger Woods Souvenir—Could It Be Hiding in His House?

Over the years, items linked to Tiger Woods have captured attention and become prized collectibles. However, one unique item—a golf ball from Woods’ iconic 1997 Masters win—has mysteriously gone missing. The CEO of Stephens Inc., Warren Stephens, was the last known person to have the ball, which has significant value, as Woods’ victory marked his first major win.

Stephens, who has a net worth of $3.3 billion according to Forbes, discussed the missing ball with Tom Coyne on a recent episode of the Golfer’s Journal podcast. Reflecting on the memory, he recounted how his son came into possession of the ball after Woods’ historic win over Tom Kite at Augusta. Stephens recalled: “My oldest son was 11, he was sitting on 18 when Tiger walked off…Tiger or Fluff put the ball, gave the ball to our son. Now, the million-dollar question is where is it? And I’m not 100 percent sure. I’m not really sure. Um, I think we’ve still got it somewhere…Well, it’s probably in our house somewhere.”

The mystery of the lost golf ball gains even more significance given Stephens’ family ties to Augusta National. His father, Jackson T. Stephens, was the chairman of the iconic course from 1991 to 1998, adding personal significance to the missing item.

While this piece remains unaccounted for, several other items connected to Woods’ career have fetched large sums at auction over the years. Here’s a list of nine of the most valuable pieces of Tiger Woods memorabilia, according to The Memorabilia Club:

1. Tiger Woods’ Titleist 681-T Irons: Used by Woods to win four major titles, these irons sold for $5,156,162 at a Golden Age Auctions event in 2022.

2. Autographed Golf Ball: A ball signed by Woods that he used to win the 2000 US Open by beating Ernie Els was sold in 2019 for $2,030. Woods’ final score that year was 12-under par.

3. Putter from the 1999 WGC-American Express Championship: The putter Woods used to claim victory over Miguel Angel Jimenez in a playoff was auctioned for $600,000 in 2013.

4. Signed Golf Cap from the 2015 Masters: A cap signed by Woods, which he wore during the 2015 Masters, sold for $1,500 in 2017.

5. Golf Bag from the 2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: Woods’ golf bag from this event sold for $16,250 in 2019. He finished T31 in the tournament.

6. Nike Golf Shoes from the 2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: The shoes Woods wore at the event went for $10,000 at auction.

7. First Professional Scorecard: Woods’ first-ever professional scorecard, which was signed by him, garnered $104,741 at TheGolfAuction.com, attracting 46 bids in total.

8. 1997 Masters Scorecard: Woods’ scorecard from his famous 1997 Masters win sold for $57,242 in 2016.

9. Signed Golf Glove from the 2009 Presidents Cup: The glove Woods wore during the Presidents Cup was sold in 2014 for $1,375.

The value of Woods’ memorabilia reflects his legendary status and career accomplishments, especially his historic performances at major tournaments. While Stephens hopes the 1997 Masters golf ball is “somewhere” in his home, collectors and fans continue to covet Tiger Woods-related items that capture significant moments in golf history.