Recently released court records showed that in 2022, the FBI found Arnold Palmer’s stolen Masters green jacket for sale in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The investigation became public during the prosecution of Richard Globensky, a 39-year-old from Georgia, who admitted to stealing the jacket and other memorabilia in a $5.6 million scheme that spanned over a decade.
Globensky confessed to stealing green jackets belonging to Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen, typically awarded to winners of the Masters Tournament, as well as an Augusta National clubhouse trophy. He had formerly worked as a warehouse coordinator at Augusta National, where the Masters is held, and had been stealing and selling millions of dollars worth of memorabilia from 2009 to 2022.
The FBI recovered the green jacket during an operation in which they monitored a private sale of the item and confirmed its authenticity before questioning the sellers. Globensky had been selling the stolen goods by photographing items that interested buyers, then arranging delivery once a price was agreed upon.
Globensky faces a recommended 2 1/2-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to one charge, with a maximum possible sentence of 10 years. Sentencing is scheduled for October 29. Despite being based in Georgia, the case is being held in Chicago due to the recovery of some stolen items in the area, according to his attorney.
This case is notable for being one of the largest involving stolen sports memorabilia, particularly in golf. Arnold Palmer, a legendary golfer who passed away in 2016, had an illustrious career with seven major championships, including four Masters titles, and numerous other tournament victories. He is also known for a popular drink made of iced tea and lemonade sold in stores nationwide.
