Mary Weems J. Bud
Amateur Golfer or Private Club Member · Golf - Amateur/Private Club
Winged Foot Golf Club
Era
Early 1990s (Dated June 14, 1993)
Item Type
Golf Hat / Cap
Condition
Good condition. The hat shows light yellowing and minor staining on the crown. The signature is bold with minor ink bleed into the fabric grain. Grade: Very Good.
Rarity
Unique personal item; Winged Foot memorabilia is common, but this specific signature is non-professional and prolific only in a private context.
Overall Assessment
A genuine piece of early 90s golf culture from a top-tier private club. While the signer is likely a private individual rather than a touring pro, the item has excellent aesthetic appeal for a clubhouse display.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on ink aging and consistent hand, though value is tied to personal provenance rather than celebrity status.
Signature Style
Cursive script with a full-name signature and a dual-dated inscription (6/14/93). Features sharp angles on the 'M' and a looped flourish on the 'B'.
Signature Characteristics
Rapid execution with high-pressure downstrokes on the M and W. The baseline is slightly ascending. The date repetition suggests a commemorative or 'scorecard' signing style.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on white synthetic/nylon fabric. The ink shows slight 'halo' bleeding consistent with age on porous fibers.
Item Description
White unstructured vintage golf cap featuring the embroidered 'Winged Foot Golf Club' logo (classic winged shoe and clubs). Likely a souvenir from the club's pro shop.
Estimated Value
$20 - $50 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Does not match professional golfers of the era (e.g., Tom Watson or Greg Norman); aligns with high-quality private club attendee signatures.
Authentication Tips
Look for the natural bleed of 1990s era markers on nylon. Check for the consistency of the '6/14/93' date format which was written twice.
Certification Recommendation
Not recommended for professional certification as the costs of PSA/JSA would exceed the secondary market value of the autograph.
Red Flags
The double dating is unusual, suggesting the signer may have been correcting a faint initial mark or emphasizing the specific day of play.
Provenance Notes
Value is significantly enhanced if tied to a specific tournament or event held at Winged Foot in June 1993.
Historical Context
Winged Foot (Mamaroneck, NY) is one of the most prestigious clubs in the US, having hosted multiple U.S. Opens. This item dates to the era between the 1984 and 2006 U.S. Opens.
Market Trends
Vintage 90s logo wear is currently trending in the 'Gorpcore' and 'Vintage Golf' markets, often selling more for the club logo than the signature.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential relative to professional athletes, but high sentimental or 'vibe' value for vintage golf collectors.
Similar Autographs
Signatures from other legendary New York clubs like Shinnecock Hills or Oak Hill.
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the white nylon from further yellowing. Use a plastic hat shaper to maintain the crown's form.
Interesting Facts
The Winged Foot logo is widely considered one of the best designs in sports; autographs on these hats are often from 'member-guest' tournaments.