1930 PGA Championship Contestant Badge - Tommy Armour Winner - RARE

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/10/2016

1930 PGA Championship Contestant Badge - Tommy Armour Winner - RARE

Two of the biggest golf superstars met in the finals of the 1930 PGA Championship. Tommy Armour was going up against Gene Sarazen on his home turf at Fresh Meadow Country Club in New York, the club where Sarazen served as head pro. Gene left his position later in the year and took a similar position at nearby Lakeville. Sarazen believed the “home pro jinx” had cost him the 1930 PGA, and he was taking no chances. Gene returned to Fresh Meadow in 1932 to win the U.S. Open. It was a superstar final at the 1930 PGA Championship as two of the biggest names in the sport met in the championship match. The match didn't disappoint, reaching the 36th hole before Tommy Armour claimed the trophy with a 1-up victory over Gene Sarazen. Following the morning 18, Armour led 1-up, after 27 it was all square. Still square as they reached the 36th hole, both players hit their approaches into a greenside bunker. Sarazen got his ball out to 10 feet, Armour was left with 12. The PGA of America's tournament history notes that after being disturbed by photographers, Armour backed off his putt. After the momentary delay, Armour made his stroke count for a birdie. The pressure was on Sarazen on his home turf to halve the hole, but it was not his turn to find the bottom of the cup. The PGA writes, "Sarazen, who looked surprised that Armour made it, putted hurriedly and missed." Walter Hagen, Jock Hutchison and Jim Barnes, all three being former champions, failed to get out of the 36-hole qualifier. Leo Diegel was aiming for his third consecutive PGA Championship title, but he too had lost.

Gilchrist's Guide to Golf Collectibles by Roger E. Gilchrist and Mark Emerson have a value of 'None Known' as there haven't been any to make it to the collecting world. Since the book was published, we know of only one other badge from the Silver Scot's infamous victory. The original Fresh Meadow CC no longer exists where it once did, and your chance to own this piece of golf history could go the same way.

1" diameter

Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on Sunday, APRIL 10th with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended