Ex-Augusta National Golf Club Worker Admits to Stealing Millions in Masters Memorabilia
A former staff member at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia confesses to stealing millions worth of prized Masters Tournament merchandise and memorabilia. Find out the details of this shocking admission.
A man named Richard Globensky, aged 39, has confessed to stealing valuable merchandise and memorabilia from the Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) in Georgia. He admitted to committing the thefts while working as a warehouse assistant at the club from 2009 to 2022. This information was revealed in court documents from the US District Court Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division.
Globensky admitted to stealing valuable historical items as part of his plea deal. This included iconic green jackets won by golf legends like Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan at the prestigious Masters tournament. The green jacket is a coveted symbol of victory at the tournament, awarded annually to the champion who must return it to the clubhouse after their reign is over.
In addition to the green jackets, Globensky also took documents and letters penned by Bobby Jones, one of the founders of the Masters Tournament. He stole historic records of the tournament, a trophy from the Augusta National clubhouse, tickets, programs, and even unissued stock dating back to 1932 when the club was established. These items hold significant historical value, as detailed in court documents.
He also took t-shirts, jackets, hats, flags, and watches, as mentioned in the documents. Globensky made approximately $5.3 million by selling the merchandise to an online broker in Florida. He also sold memorabilia for almost $300,000 to the same broker and an associate, as stated by prosecutors. The broker then resold the items at much higher prices than what was originally paid.
A view of a Members Only sign outside of Augusta National Golf Club prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament on April 7.
A view of a Members Only sign outside of Augusta National Golf Club prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament on April 7.
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Globensky was accused of moving stolen goods across state lines and causing nearly $3.5 million in losses to the club, as per the legal papers.
According to the plea deal, Globensky tried to hide his role in stealing and selling the goods. It is mentioned that he used his position at the warehouse to ensure that the amount of stolen goods remained below the club's risk thresholds for auditing. Additionally, he directed the broker to make most of the payments in his wife's name instead of his own. Subsequently, court records reveal that Globensky set up an LLC to receive payments for the stolen items.
As part of his plea agreement, Globensky agreed to give the government a $1.5 million check within seven days of his guilty plea last Wednesday. Additionally, he must surrender the $5.3 million he earned from the stolen goods.
The United States Attorney’s Office stated in a press release that the conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Prosecutors mentioned in the plea deal that, unless there are significant changes in Globensky’s cooperation, they will recommend a prison sentence of 24 to 30 months for the former golf club employee. Globensky’s sentencing is set for October 29.
The 11th green is prepared prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6.
The 11th green is prepared prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6.
Globensky’s attorney, Tom Church, shared with CNN that they are excited to share the complete story and shed light on the fact that Mr. Globensky is a good family man, despite his past mistakes.
He also confirmed that the case was brought in Chicago because some of the stolen goods were later recovered there.
CNN has contacted Augusta National for further comment.
The Masters is a significant event in the world of sports, taking place every April. It is one of golf's four major tournaments, along with the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship.
What sets The Masters apart from the other majors is that it is held at the same course each year. Since its inception, Augusta National has been the prestigious venue for this iconic tournament.
American Scottie Scheffler is the reigning champion, having taken a dominant four-shot victory in April this year to reclaim the title he previously won in 2022.
