Few players have seen the highs and lows that Woods has experienced as a professional golfer. The same can be said for the popularity of many key Tiger Woods card and memorabilia options available on the secondary market. At one point, he had one of the most pursued autographs in all of sports, right up there with Michael Jordan. Deals with Nike and Upper Deck have limited the availability of his autographed memorabilia, thereby preserving the value of the items even amidst his slump.
Almost single-handedly, Woods made golf items worth collecting again. He transcended the game of golf and fans bought up anything that had his name or autograph. As Woods tore through tournaments, it was a foregone conclusion that he would go on to break every major PGA record.
But injuries and personal issues derailed his career. Current setbacks have taken him even lower, but once he regains his focus and winning touch, a lot will be forgiven in the public eye and the values of his cards should rebound.
Tiger Woods Rookie Cards
1996 Sport Illustrated For Kids # 536
Sport Illustrated has the distinction of having produced the first Tiger Woods card ever made. While this might seem like a good thing to you or me, SI went as far as to write letters to card grading companies asking that they refrain from grading any of the cards because they hadn't intended for them to be collected as trading cards. A bizarre reaction to be sure, but likely brought about because they didn't want to risk having to pay Wood's now sizable licensing fees. Whatever their reasoning, the collecting community sure appreciates their contribution to the Tiger Woods card collecting scene as it is his most sought after non-autographed golf card.
1997-98 Grand Slam Ventures Master Collection
The ugly duckling of Woods rookie cards, this card was distributed as part of the 63 card 1997-98 Grand Slam Ventures Master Collection box set, which featured a card of every Masters winner between 1934 and 1998. Though without the benefit of a strong brand behind it, it has still amassed quite a following in the collecting community as a viable mid-range Tiger Woods rookie card option.
2001 SP Authentic #45 (/900, autographed)
The 2011 SP Authentic Tiger Woods card is autographed and numbered to 900. The card image evokes the calm and collected player that dominated the sport for so many years. Although he is not wearing the iconic red polo that both intimated other golfers and excited fans and collectors, this rookie card shows Woods in the prime of his career. The simple yet modern design is further enhanced by the on-card autograph.
2001 Upper Deck #1
Even though it is not sought by premium collectors, it does present a reasonably priced option for collectors looking to buy a meaningful Tiger Woods card that won't break the bank. Woods is wearing the aforementioned red shirt typical of "Sunday Tiger" and is in the middle of a celebration after sinking a putt. The card image has a slight haze and a dated look, especially when viewed in comparison to the SP Authentic card.
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Tiger Woods Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Tiger Woods's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company.
Signed Golf Memorabilia Pricing:
Average eBay Sales Price: $400
Lowest Amazon Price:
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