July 9 Report: Ryder Cup Player Jerry Pate

Definitely been in the longest autograph drought since this autograph project began. It's been a long eight days waiting for a new success, but it is finally here.

So hopefully this is the start of a new streak!

Today's success is another in my Ryder Cup player collection. This one comes from Jerry Pate, who had a distinguished amateur career before turning pro. He represented the U.S. on Walker Cup teams and won the U.S. Amateur in 1974.

His first professional victory came at another USGA Championship -- the 1976 U.S. Open. He has eight PGA Tour wins in all and has claimed a pair of victories to date on the Champions Tour.

He played on the U.S. team that won the Ryder Cup in 1981.

Day of the Year: 189
Number of Autographs This Year: 224

June 18 Report: PGA Tour Player Matt Kuchar

I'm actually a bit curious if this autograph is legit.

The reason I question it is because I sent it to Matt on Tuesday, June 15. He lives in the same county, so it was likely delivered on Wednesday, June 16.

So he signed it and mailed back Thursday, June 17 for return to me on June 18? I guess it is possible, though I'd like to know when he left for Pebble Beach to play in the U.S. Open, which started Thursday.

Typically golfers begin to arrive at the week's course Monday or Tuesday and are definitely playing practice rounds by Wednesday.

Perhaps he just has a stack of signed cards at this house and his spouse mails them out???

I'd be curious on anyone's thoughts.

Day of the Year: 169
Number of Autographs This Year: 217

Feb. 10 Report: Ken Venturi

Nine days ago I sat down and wrote a very sincere letter to the 1964 U.S. Open champion, Ken Venturi. This man won perhaps the most grueling test of golf -- his country's national open championship -- in what is likely the most grueling conditions ever. The 100-plus degree heat and humidity over the 36-hole finale was almost more than one could take.

Venturi nearly passed out, but somehow managed to finish the tournament with a doctor in tow, claiming his first major championship.

Venturi has been nothing but class his entire career -- including his captaining of the Presidents Cup team and his decades in the announcer's booth.

I was not disappointed in my expectations of what this gentleman embodied. Not only did he take the time to sign my golf ball and card, but he also took the time to write me a nice response letter back. Oh, and he also included, in his words, "a little extra" something and signed one of his own personal items and sent that to me as well.

Overall a very nice day with this addition. Something for my Presidents Cup collection, Ryder Cup collection and U.S. Open collection.


Day of the Year: 41
Number of Autographs This Year: 74