The driver is part of more than 400 Snead pieces being auctioned at the Sports Collectibles Golf Catalogue Auction in Dallas on September 25 and 26.

Heritage Auctions are in charge of the Snead memorabilia, with many of the pieces coming from the collection of golf enthusiast Bob Burkett.

Burkett has amassed a huge collection of golfing memorabilia including used clubs, as well trophies and medals that reportedly go back to the origins of the game in the mid-1800s.

The driver on offer later this month is said to have been used by Snead from 1936 to 1953 in which time he won more than 100 tournaments.

Heritage Auctions claim they are expecting the club to go for in excess of $1 million (£613,000/€772,000).

In a letter written in 1989, Snead, who died in 2002 at the age of 89, explained how he came into possession of the club claiming he only paid $5.25 (£3.22/€4.05) to fellow player Henry Pickard for it in 1936.

"I took it out and tried it and felt it and really liked it," wrote Snead.

"Pickard said I could have it because it was too big for him.

"Pickard said that a club maker for Wilson by the name of Gansky made it...

"I paid him that amount and took it with me.

"I proceeded to win over 100 tournaments, including two Masters, one British Open and two PGA Championships with this driver.

"I also won many long distance driving contests with it.

"A few years after buying the driver, Pickard wanted to buy it back, and I said I wouldn't sell it for a million!"

Sam Snead still holds the record for most number of wins on the PGA Tour with 82
©Getty Images




As well as the driver, other major artefacts being auctioned include the US PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy won by Snead in 1942.

Snead, who was born in Virginia, is regarded by many as the greatest golfer of all time.

He won seven major titles that included one British Open Championship, three US Masters and three US PGA Championships.

However, his record 82 wins on the PGA Tour did not include the US Open, where he finished runner-up four times.

Snead's trophy for the 1946 Open Championship made $263,000 (£161,000/€203,000) at Heritage Auctions in August last year.

For more information on the Sports Collectibles Golf Catalogue Auction, click here.



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