During last week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, Justin Thomas used four Vokey wedges that were stamped with phrases to honor NBA star Kobe Bryant after his death.
While fans enjoyed seeing PGA Tour stars like Thomas, Tony Finau and Max Homa pay homage to Bryant at TPC Scottsdale after Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others close to the Bryant family died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, Thomas isn’t finished with the tragedy.
Thomas announced Thursday on Twitter he will auction his four wedges stamped with the phrases, “81 points,” “Kobe Bean Bryant,” “Black Mamba” and “Mamba Mentality.” The proceeds from the sale will benefit The MambaOnThree Fund, which was started by the Mamba Sports Foundation after Bryant’s helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California. The fund aids the families of seven other victims of the crash: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan.
Thomas also played the 16th hole at the Phoenix Open with Bryant’s No. 33 jersey from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
During the Phoenix Open, Thomas discussed Bryant’s legacy and the impact the former Los Angeles Laker had on his game.
“He had such an impact on me and he was such a person that I looked up to and tried to kind of have my mental approach like that, I felt like it was very fitting (to wear Bryant’s jersey),” Thomas said. “There’s only one tournament all year you can put a jersey on and hit a shot. Just the timing worked out to be here, so it was a no-brainer for me.”
