Posted: 4:51 PM Apr 5, 2012
Reporter: Jason Kahn

The Golf Collector's Kingdom

Tallahassee, FL - Sid Matthew has been practicing law for years. But for more than two decades he has put away his legal papers to step on the green at Augusta. You don't believe he's been there? Well, take a look inside his golf sanctuary at his house to see the proof. Matthew has a huge collection of golf artifacts from the Masters.

"One thing led to another and of course the disease is neverending," he said.

Of course, his collection goes beyond the Masters Tournament. He has pieces of golf memorabilia centuries-old. Around this time, though, his stuff from one of the country's most prestigious events stands out.

"Basically historical artifacts remind us of the historical antecedents that lead to fascinating stories," Matthew said.

The fascination for Matthew started when he was five. He always loved the game of golf. He remembers following his favorite golfer of all time, Bobby Jones. When he was handed his first authentic Bobby Jones club, the collecting addiction took off.

"Golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, bags, you name it, trophies. There's a story behind every one of them and usually there's an extraordinary person attached to it," he said.

That person for Matthew was none other than Jones. He's written eight books on the Masters co-founder.

"A hero should be 24-7. It should be what you see is what you get," Matthew said. "And Jones was an American hero."

For golf collectors, Matthew may be their hero.

"The friendships I've made along the way have just been extraordinary and the greatest treasures," he said.

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