In a shocking event in the golf world, former Augusta National Golf Club warehouse assistant Robert Globensky pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen goods. This plea comes after police uncovered a 13-year scheme involving the theft of Masters merchandise from the golf course, a crime that has damaged the reputation of one of golf’s top institutions.

Globensky’s guilty plea displays a decade-long operation that saw him siphoning off Masters memorabilia from the Augusta warehouse. From 2009 onwards, he orchestrated the transport of merchandise to Florida, where a third party would sell the stolen goods online. The scale of Globensky’s operation was massive, with reported profits totaling $5 million throughout his scheme.

From T-shirts and hats to relics such as Arnold Palmer’s green jacket and tickets to tournaments dating back to the 1930s, Globensky’s actions have tarnished the sanctity of these prized possessions.

Globensky’s actions have ramifications far beyond Augusta National. His betrayal of trust not only defiles the legacy of the Masters tournament but also raises troubling questions about security protocols.

Amidst the scandal, it’s easy to forget Scottie Scheffler‘s recent performance at this year’s Masters tournament. 

Rory McIlroy birdied five of his last six holes to secure a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf Club in Orlando, Florida on Sunday to card a flawless, last-round 64.

Rory McIlroy Arnold Palmer Invitational Win News

This marked the 28-year-old Northern Irishman’s first title since clinching the 2016 Tour Championship — on Sept. 25, the day Palmer died at the age of 87.

“I wish he would have been at the top of the hill to shake my hand when I came off the 18th green there,” McIlroy said of the golf legend. “But hopefully, he’s proud of me, with the way I played that back nine. I tried to be as aggressive as I could and tried to take on shots when I needed to, just like he would have.”

Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus were among the top golfers to congratulate McIlroy on social media for his big victory.

Gary Player urged McIlroy to stick with the strict fitness regime which the South African pioneered in the sport.

Woods tied for fifth with Ryan Moore (71) and now heads to the Masters with great momentum.

McIlroy had an injury-plagued 2017. Just a week ago, he missed a cut in the Valspar Championship.

LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 06: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 13th hole during day one of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart Golf Club on July 6, 2017 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

For the fourth consecutive year, Tiger Woods will miss the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Tiger Woods out of API with back spasms, Could Miss Masters

The 41-year-old, 14-time major winner announced via Twitter and his website Thursday night that he would be missing next week’s tournament in Bay Hill, Florida— which he has won a record eight times— due to lingering back problems.

Woods has not played since he withdrew from the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Feb. 3. He said there is “no timetable” for his return, and is now questionable for the Masters, which begin at Augusta on April 6. Woods added that his “treatments are continuing and going well.”

“I’m especially disappointed because I wanted to help honor Arnold,” Woods said. “This is one event I didn’t want to skip. Arnold has meant so much to me and my family; I thought of him as a close friend. He will be greatly missed and can never truly be replaced.”

Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, died in September 2016 at the age of 87.

Woods last played at the API in 2013. No other player has won the tournament more than twice.

Woods missed two other events he was scheduled to play: the Genesis Open and the Honda Classic. The Genesis Open supports his foundation.

The American played the Masters two years ago after taking a nine-week break to work on his game. Woods has won the Masters four times and missed it two of the past three years.

Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg stated the golfer’s back spasms did not stem from the nerve issues that led Woods to have two surgeries in late 2015 and sidelined him for over one year.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 02: Tiger Woods of the United States hits his shot on the second tee during round two of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas on December 2, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)