This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/22/2013
The Golf Auction is pleased to have the opportunity to offer this difficult Contestants Pin to the 1942 Hale America National Open for the second straight auction. The last one in our June U.S. Open auction was a much sought after lot. With each of the Penna brothers, Charley and Toney, competing in this Championship the family collection contained two of these treasures. Bid accordingly on this one. There is not a third Penna brother, and we do not anticipate having another of these key items to Open and Hogan collectors for a long time to come, if ever. Because of World War II, the U.S. Open was suspended beginning in 1942 for the duration. However, the USGA agreed to schedule a substitute event, named the Hale America Open, in conjunction with the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) and the PGA of America to raise funds for the USO and the Navy Relief Society. Almost all the top players of the day competed including Lawson Little, Lloyd Mangrum, "Jug" McSpadden, Craig Wood, Byron Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, Paul Runyon, Gene Sarazen, Henry Picard, Harry Cooper, Frank Stranahan, and Ralph Guldahl. Hogan, with rounds of 72-62-69-68-271, 17 under par, won by three strokes. Bobby Jones, a captain in the Army, came out of retirement and scored 290. In a mark that would forever cause controversy, the USGA presented the winner of the "Wartime Open" with a medal that is visually identical to those presented to all Open winners. So the question remains: "Was this the first of Hogan's U.S. Open victories?"
In order to bid in extended bidding you must place a bid on the lot before 9pm on auction closing day.