In the world of golf, few names resonate as strongly as Tiger Woods. His undeniable talent, incredible achievements, and undeniable impact on the sport have made him a generational icon. One dedicated collector, Daniel Ford McBride from Kent City, Michigan, has amassed an extraordinary archive of Tiger Woods memorabilia, documenting not only the career of the golfing legend but also the stories of other African American players who paved the way for his success. The archive McBride has amassed stands as a testament to the struggles, triumphs, and global influence of Tiger Woods.
McBride started collecting the memorabilia after the loss of his two sons: Ross who passed away on March 18, 2000, from a terrible car accident. Then, in May 2007, his son Danny died from a heart attack. The two losses are “every parent’s nightmare,” says McBride, “And I did it twice.” He began collecting in August of 1996, the day after Tiger’s 3rd consecutive U. S. Amateur win at Pumpkin Ridge. Through collecting memorabilia, McBride found a way to cope with losing Ross and continued the strategy when he lost Danny.
McBride’s collection extensively covers the life and career of Tiger Woods, from his early years as a prodigious young talent to his professional debut at the Riviera Country Club at the age of 16. Notable items include the video recording of Tiger’s appearance on the Mike Douglass show, the 1978 TV guide listing him as a “two-year-old golfer,” and articles chronicling his impressive records as a teen, including his USJA wins in 91-92-93. Also, 3 USGA wins 94-95-96 making him the best amateur golfer for 6 consecutive years! The collection also features numerous photographs capturing the influence Tiger had on youth participation in golf through programs like FirstTee.
At the heart of McBride’s archive lies a dedication to preserving the history of African American players in golf. Through over 200 articles, magazine covers, and references, the archive sheds light on the remarkable journeys of trailblazers like John Shippen, Teddy Rhodes, Joe Louis, Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Pete Brown, and many others. Each story showcases their perseverance, determination, and the barriers they had to overcome in their quest to play on the PGA Tour. McBride’s collection serves as a tribute to their resilience and the impact they had on the sport.
Newspaper Articles and Magazines: Among the most valuable aspects of McBride’s collection are the thousands of newspaper articles that cover nearly every round of Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour career. While newspaper articles may be a vanishing medium, their significance lies in documenting the journey of a generational icon and the changing landscape of print media. Additionally, the collection boasts approximately 550 different copies of magazines with Tiger on the cover, highlighting his immense popularity and impact on the magazine industry.
An Array of Collectibles: McBride’s dedication extends beyond articles and magazines. Neatly housed in a 10×20 storage unit not far from where he lives, Mcbride has the collection very neatly arranged, in chronological order with categories partially represented from Woods’ youth, First Tee days, and college. His collection includes around 80 books and about 80 programs, providing a comprehensive view of Tiger’s career. The archive also comprises about 70 of Tiger’s college articles, showcasing his early accomplishments. Additionally, the collection features posters, Wheaties collectibles, trading cards, foreign articles, cartoons, and an array of publications with Tiger on the cover. These items collectively paint a vivid picture of Tiger’s immense influence across various mediums.
McBride believes his collection is the largest of its kind, a sentiment supported by his meticulous documentation. With over 10,000 articles amassed over nearly three decades, the archive serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to delve into Tiger Woods’ career and the broader history of African American players in golf. McBride’s passion and dedication to preserving this remarkable legacy are evident, and he plans to continue expanding his collection.
McBride is interested in selling his collection and says “I think it is worth a lot of money given the subject of this nearly 27 years of documenting the career of a generational icon Tiger Woods!” The archive includes multiple pieces of Tiger’s wins coverage, thus, really creating a collection within a collection. “Doing this in memory of my deceased sons and my physical actions means we are working together to make the world a better place!” says McBride. “It also is a healthy and therapeutic way to keep your loved ones close. I think there are people out there looking for answers to their own challenges life brings us all,” says 68-year-old McBride.
McBride’s archive of Tiger Woods memorabilia stands as an awe-inspiring tribute to the legendary golfer and the African American players who came before him. Through thousands of articles, magazines, and a vast array of collectibles, McBride has created a comprehensive archive that not only tells the story of Tiger’s remarkable journey but also honors the significant contributions of African American players to the sport. For more information or questions on the collection contact Daniel McBride at email mcbridedaniel185@gmail.com or text 616-437-4917.
