Vintage Gambling and Hustler Titanic Thompson\'s Golf Club Babe Zaharias Estate
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Vintage Gambling and Hustler Titanic Thompson\'s Golf Club Babe Zaharias Estate:
$8500.00
Brought to you by:
TheBabe and GeorgeZaharias Golf Foundation, Inc.
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Vintage Gambling and Hustler Titanic Thompson\'s Golf Club Babe Zaharias Estate
Probably one of the most notorious figures in golf was AlvinClarence Thomas, better known by the moniker \"Titanic Thompson\". Hespent many of his \"vacationing\" days at the Tampa Golf & CountryClub, owned by the world renowned Babe & George Zaharias.Babe & Big George Zaharias had many friends that dropped by to playgolf & possibly stay overnight in the clubhouse lodging quarters. Mr.Thomas\'s stays were usually more than just overnight. He had his ownsuite/apartment that was paid up in advance. This became his base of operationwhile in Tampa. His assorted avenuesfor gambling would allow him to be absent from the clubhouse for several daysvisiting old friends involved with the underground mafia of Ybor City or thehigh rollers at the Tampa Greyhound Dog Track. On one occasion, he phoned Babesaying he would like to bring several of his old friends by to play a round ofgolf if she put together a foursome for some friendly wagering. \"TitanicThompson\" showed up with Johnny Moss, Benny Binion and a stranger,introduced as \"Mr. Smith\" or \"Smitty\". Babe made a tour ofthe clubhouse and made a few phone calls to form a foursome that included alocal professional Burl Bolesta, Joe Torres, a local fireman with many citytitles to his credit, and an unknown \"ringer\" named Ulmer Hawkins. Inthe first foursome Babe and her unknown partner played Titanic Thompson andJohnny Moss. In the second foursome Burl Bolesta & Joe Torres took on BennyBinion and the stranger \"Smitty\".
The 18 hole matches ended with Babe and Ulmer winning their side 2 & 1.Burl & Joe lost their match 2 down. Babe was suspicious of TitanicThompson\'s playability and she was right. He suggested a wager to get even.Titanic\'s great idea, since Babe was a terrific athlete, was to see who couldthrow a golf ball the farthest. Babe & Ulmer had won $1200.00 from Titanic& his partner, so that was put on the line with the additional bet of thelongest toss would be awarded $100.00 each yard past the shortest throw!Titanic\'s only stipulation being that his friend throw in his place because ofthe bad shoulder he had been nursing all day. Babe agreed, but anticipatingsomething of this nature, selected one of her foursome to do the honors. Babealso made another provision -- losers lost their clubs. Mr. Alvin ClarenceThomas\'s game plan was perfect now because his friend \"Smitty\" was aformer baseball pitcher. What he didn\'t know was Babe\'s ringer was known forhis prodigious throws of a golf ball. Smitty\'s mighty heave traveled 118 yards.Ulmer Hawkins flew his ball 139 yards. Titanic Thompson, along with everybodyelse, was totally amazed.
Note: The next day Alvin Clarence Thomas AKA \"TitanicThompson\"& his friends were challenged to a match by three of Tampa\'s famous golfingBolesta Family. These were Henry Bolesta, long time residing professional atPalma Ceia C.C., Burl Bolesta, former P.G.A. Tour Player & Wesley Bolesta,ScratchAmateur& local businessman. Wedon\'tknow thefinal financial outcome of this encounter, but we do know \"Titanic &His Buddies\" left Tampa the followingday!
In thissale we will be offering Mr. Titanic Thompson\'s clubs and in a separateoffering will be a poker chip ensemble also belonging to Mr. Alvin ClarenceThomas.
This setof Titanic Thompson\'s clubs and bag consist of the following:TommyArmour MacGregor Left Hand woods 1-2-3
TommyArmour MacGregor Left Hand Irons 2-9
TourneyMacGregor Double Service Left Hand Wedge
SpaldingCash-In Putter
BurtonGolf Bag and Headcovers.
Estimated Value: $8000 - 9000
For the 1st time The Babe & George Zaharias Golf Foundation, Inc. will be conducting a special offering of Personally owned unique historical collectibles form the Zaharias Estate. Most of these items have been for over a half century in our humidity controlled storage. Some of the items include Golf clubs, Bags, Balls, Autographed photos, Books, and other memorabilia. Also, other donated pieces over the years from famous Sports figures, Entertainers, Military and Political figures. All acquisitions will include provenances and any other points of interest.
Monies, including donations, derived from individual sales, with on going grants; enable this Foundation to be supportive in all its “Forgotten Youth” programs. We are presently negotiating to obtain a site, here in the Tampa Bay area, to construct a facility that will educate, encourage, and support all these children and teenagers.
With Warmest Regards-
Hal Shaw, CEO.Founder
**Notes**
With all items ofhistoricalvalue Mr. Shaw will forward a letter stating the history of the item and how heacquiredit. It willserve asthe COA for the item. Most info Mr. Shaw got first hand from either Babe herself or her husband George. Other items may have been given to the Foundation and Mr. Shaw will stay that as well.The letter will be on the babe Zaharias Golf Foundation letter head.
- Allinternational buyers the shipping quotes will be higher than the actual cost to ship[ as we have to list the oversize box size for domestic shipments.
Vintage Gambling and Hustler Titanic Thompson\'s Golf Club Babe Zaharias Estate:
$8500.00