2019 November Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/24/2019
1942 Hale America National Open Contestant Badge HOGAN'S First Major WIN ? - RARE
When the United States entered into World War II, the United States Golf Association opted to cancel the US Open in 1942. In its place they agreed to work with the PGA and the Chicago District Golf Association to hold the Hale America National Open. This tournament was orchestrated almost identically to the US Open, with regional and sectional qualifiers, and with the biggest names in golf who were not serving in the military participating. Played at Ridgemoor Country Club just outside Chicago, Ben Hogan shot an incredible second round 62 (his low career professional round). After four rounds he finished at -17, eclipsing Jimmy Demaret by 3 strokes to win the Championship. Many consider the 1942 Hale America as a Major win, given the structure and strength of competition, and the fact that Hogan was awarded a medal identical to those awarded after the Hale America at each of his other four US Open wins. Whether or not you consider the 1942 Hale America National Open a Major Championship, it definitely adds to the rich history of golf in this country. Good condition, with slight aging on perimeter and reverse, 2 1/8" in diameter.
Rod Munday Collection
A contemporary of Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, and Paul Runyan, Rod Munday traveled the same proving ground as many of the touring and club professionals in a career that spanned over 50 years. His friendship with those individuals and fellow teaching professionals lasted throughout his life as a pro golfer that started in Northern California and ended in Pennsylvania. Rod competed in many pro tournaments including both the 1940 and 1946 Masters Tournaments. He frequently qualified for and played in the PGA Championship from the 1930’s through the early 1960’s, and competed in the 1934, 1935, 1946, and 1947 US Open. If a putt would have fallen one way or another, Munday could have been a golfer that was mentioned in the same sentence as the legendary golfers of his day.
Munday, a World War II army vet who received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, was the preferred teaching professional for many celebrities and dignitaries, none larger than President and General Dwight D Eisenhower. Eisenhower became Rod’s #1 pupil at the Gettysburg Country Club in Pennsylvania. Munday was just as much a personal friend to these larger than life figures as a golf instructor. Many of the leading tour players such as 1941 Masters champion Craig Wood, considered Rod Munday one of the top putting minds of the 1950’s. Horton Smith, Byron Nelson, Henry Cotton, Jack Grout, and Gene Sarazen all kept in contact with Munday over the years. The allure to play exhibitions at Munday’s clubs at Highland Meadows in Toledo, Ohio and the Country Club of York in Pennsylvania was there for many, including visits and fundraisers attended by one of his closest friends, Ben Hogan.
The Golf Auction is proud to offer the Rod Munday Collection, helping to tell the story of the man himself.AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
This auction will end at 9:00pm EST Sunday, November 24th with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items that have received multiple bids in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period (at 10pm EST, the countdown clock will be adjusted to a 5 minute interval). Place your bids now!
1. You must place your initial bids BEFORE extended bidding begins in order to bid on the item in extended bidding
2. During extended bidding, you are allowed to bid only on items you PREVIOUSLY placed a bid on.
3. All lots that are active in extended bidding will close at the same time, and those with only ONE or NO BIDS will close at 9pm EST
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