2013 Exclusive 200 Lot Winter Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
1946 Western Golf Assoc. 44th Amateur Gorham Sterling Silver Winners Plate - Frank Stranahan
Frank Stranahan notched his most impressive win to date when he captured the highly prestigious 1946 Western Golf Associations Amateur Championship conducted at Northland Country Club in Duluth, Minnesota. Stranahan,the 24-year-old top ranked amateur, stood extremely tall in his 36-hole semifinal and 36-hole final matches. He won the semi match which took 39 holes to close out, the brash and combative, Smiley Quick. The young Toledo native stood up to the test in his 38-hole final, longest to date in WGA's 44 years of hosting the event. His extra hole victory came over three time WGA champ Marvin (Bud) Ward. This final match was regarded as the best display of golf in the events history. In winning one-up over 38 holes, Stranahan was 7 under par. Befitting his performance, Stranahan received a beautiful and timeless sterling 12 1/2' diameter by 2" tall winners plate crafted by noted Gorham's silver house. The front of the etched, detailed antique sterling reads "Western Golf Association Amateur Championship" "Won By Frank R. Stranahan 1946 Duluth". The tray which displays the impervious quality which it's manufactures is known for carries the house stampings of Gorham with Sterling 40613 on the reverse. A most significant golf match is commemorated by the finest in silver design. At this time in his budding career, the young Stranahan was gaining the highest of praise as captured in the words of a 1946 United Press story, "the greatest amateur since Bobby Jones". A portion of the Frank Stranahan collection proceeds will be donated to The First Tee of Lake Erie.
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