Dreaming of a green jacket from Augusta National? An online auction could answer your prayers

Is it really possible?

Could a green jacket from Augusta National Golf Club really be for sale at an online auction site?

It is, if you believe the folks at AmericanMemorabilia.com, the self-proclaimed “Trusted Leader in Sports and Celebrity Auctions.”

I never believe anything I see on the internet (unless it comes from TravelGolf.com, of course). But the site claims this baby is for real. The description reads like this:

“Offered is one of the few known Green Jackets. The stunning garment measures to a size “50″ and includes the following measurements: 35″ from center of neck to end of sleeve and 35″ from top to bottom. This jacket is 100% authentic and original. All of the original name tags and patches are intact including a patch with the serial number for the manufacturer. Highlighting the front is an Augusta National patch. Apearing on the inner breast reginon are an Augusta swatch and Hamilton, Cincinnati manufacturer’s patch.”

I can’t help but wonder where the jacket came from. Augusta National members began wearing the shamrock-colored green jackets in 1937 and the tradition of giving one to the winner of The Masters Tournament didn’t start until Sam Snead snared one in 1949. I gotta believe all the champs still have theirs. So which former millionaire Augusta National member (or his heirs) are desperate enough for cash to part with one of the game’s greatest treasures?

More important questions loom … like … how much will it cost, in this tepid economy, to claim a piece of history?

Imagine showing up for your next Monday night golf league tee time wearing this bad boy. You’d be an instant legend. No more Bogey Bob or Harry Hacker. You’d simply be known as “The Masters man.”

Start saving your pennies. The auction runs until September 10th. Put your bid in at

http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=53607

Good luck. I have a feeling you’ll need it.