Photo: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR/Getty
GolferJustin Thomasis auctioning off custom wedges he used to pay tribute to late NBA legendKobe Bryant, and proceeds from the sale will go to the other families of thosewho died in the fatal Jan. 26 helicopter crash.
The 26-year-old golfer from Kentucky used the wedges during theWaste Management Phoenix Openlast week, and each of them are branded with a slogan in honor of Bryant: “81 points,” “Kobe Bean Bryant,” “Black Mamba,” and “Mamba Mentality.”
Thomas is a noted fan of Bryant and called him an “idol” in a post onInstagram following news of the tragedy.
“RIP, Mamba. You will forever be an idol to me,” he wrote in the caption of a picture of Bryant after he secured his third straight NBA championship in 2002.
During the Phoenix Open, Thomas even wore Bryant’s No. 33 high school jersey while playing at the 16th hole.
“Kobe Bryant” tribute wedges.Justin Thomas/Instagram
“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,” Thomas toldESPN during the tournament.
“I felt like it was very fitting,” he continued. “There’s only one tournament all year where 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.”
Thomas announced the auction on Thursday in a post to social media.
“I’ve partnered with@charitybuzzto auction off my@vokeywedgeswedges I used during the@wmphoenixopen,” hewrote.
“The proceeds will be going to the MambaOnThree Fund, which exists to honor and support loved ones of the seven other victims involved in the tragedy that occurred on January 26, 2020. All donations to the Fund will be directed to their families,” he added.
If you would like to help the families of the victims of the crash, consider donating to theMamba on Three Fund. Contributions to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
