2013 Exclusive 200 Lot Winter Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
1948 Rio Grande Valley Open Low Amateur Gold 10K Medal - Frank Stranahan
As he did so often in this time period, Frank Stranahan competed and held his own against the PGA touring pros of the day in this event. During the Texas swing of the 1948 tour season, a first year event was contested called the Lower Rio Grand Valley Open. Held at the Harlingen Municipal Golf Course in Harlingen a scant 30 miles from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Like the Aztecs, just to the south in Mexico, whose prized metal was gold. The Rio Grand Valley Open provided gold medals to its champions with Lloyd Mangrum claiming the top prize in a 18-hole playoff win over Jimmy Demaret. With a score of 280,minus 4 for the tournament, Frank Stranahan was the events low amateur and received the award offered in this lot. Detailed with laurels of acheivement and etched text which states "Rio Grand Valley Open","1948" on the facing side. The 1 1/2" diameter gold medal which displays today with brillance as on its day of presentation in 1948 hangs from a 2" long reddish,brown ribbon. A quick flip of the medal to its reverse finds the wording "Low Amateur Won By Frank Stranahan" and the stamping of 10K for the quality of gold. Like the early Aztecs who inhabited this region fighting for and treasuring their gold, this gold from the top amateur golf warrior of his day deserves a treasured home in a top golf collection. A portion of the Frank Stranahan collection proceeds will be donated to The First Tee of Lake Erie.
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