An auction of highly collectible Seve Ballesteros's golf memorabilia brought more than £618,000 for charity last week.
The five-time major winner died of brain cancer aged just 54 this month.
Pick of the lots at the "Ole Seve" pro-am day at the UK's Wentworth course was a gold putter once owned by Ballesteros, which British golfer Ian Poulter won with a £55,000 bid.
"It's something I will really treasure," said Poulter, basking in his victory.
The 14-time tournament winner will add the putter to a golf ball that Ballesteros gave to him at the 1991 British Masters, when Poulter was just 15.
Poulter is also a keen car collector, and owns a number of striking vehicles, including an Aston Martin DB9.
Ryder Cup teammate Paul Casey won the battle for a Rolex watch once owned by Seve, with a bid of £65,000.
The auction's proceeds will be put towards the Ballesteros Foundation and Cancer Research UK.
![]() Seve had a legion of fans |
Golf collectibles can make popular alternative investments and the greatest champions will likely have the most enduring legacy in the market.
Such was Seve's standing in the game and popularity among his fellow professionals, it was of little surprise these items did so well.
Tiger Woods' reluctance to sign autographs has ensured signed baseball caps and golf visors by the four-time Masters champion are highly sought after.
Golfing books too can be highly collectible. Harry Woods' Golfing Curios, the first book on golf collecting, sold for $13,200 at a PBA Galleries auction in 2010.
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