Tiger Woods Linked to $22M theft

New court documents have revealed the extravagant spending habits of a former Jaguars employee who stole over $22 million from the team, showcasing a penchant for luxury items, including purchasing a putter once owned by Tiger Woods.

Amit Patel was entrusted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 with overseeing virtual credit card payments used for various team expenses. As the sole monitor of these transactions, he exploited his position over the course of four years before being terminated in February 2023, following the discovery of discrepancies amounting to over $22 million in embezzled funds.

The bulk of the stolen money fueled Patel’s gambling addiction, but he also indulged in private flights, a Patek Philippe watch, and a membership to a country club. Among his lavish acquisitions, Patel splurged $200,000 on golf memorabilia, notably purchasing Tiger Woods’ Scotty Cameron putter, which the golf icon received after winning the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1996.

Patel is set to be sentenced soon, facing seven years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and related charges. During the hearing, he is expected to forfeit the ill-gotten gains, including the prized putter, as the Jaguars attempt to recover their losses, despite challenges posed by his significant gambling debts, totaling $20 million.