2013 Exclusive 200 Lot Winter Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
1949 All-American Amateur Champions Sterling Silver Medal - Tam O'Shanter - Frank Stranahan
Both professional and amateur golfers, men and women alike flocked to participate in George May's All American golf tournaments conducted at his course Tam O'Shanter just outside Chicago. For professionals it was about the prize purse, largest by far of the year (with a win there, and no others, you could lead the PGA money list for the year). For amateurs it was about playing against the top amateurs around, in the finest environment George May's money could provide. For Frank Stranahan besting the top amateur in 1949 at the All American meant beating Julios Boros (who would go on to win two US Opens and a PGA in his HOF career). Boros' three stroke lead over Stranahan entering the final 18 holes did not however derail "Stranny". He simply fired a 69 to triumph over the future Golf Hall of Famer. In true All American fashion where everything was grand, the winners medal which Stranahan received was illustrious. Fashioned of Sterling Silver (As appears "STERLING" on the reverse of each portion of the two piece metal)it measures in at 1 1/2" x 2 3/8". Not the largest of metals ever produced, but certainly one of the finest ever for detail. The two piece treasure proclaims "Frank Stranahan Winner" and "Tam O'Shanter". The second part of the medal is splendid in design featuring a raised golf ball with crossed golf clubs, with script "1949" "All American Men's" "Amateur Golf Tournament" which are wrapped in the center by laurels of achievement. This medal was one of Stranahan's most prized of his career one which was choose to be put on display, to the public, next to his British Amateur Champion's and Masters Low Amateur awards. These treasures of amateur golf supremacy from Stranahan, who defined amateur golf bridging the time between Bobby Jones' quadrilateral success and Tiger Woods arrival on the golf world, appeared at his childhood home turned museum and park in Toledo. Now this extreme opportunity to preserve the history of the All-American tournament and the legacy of one of its finest champions falls to our fortunate winning bidder. A portion of the Frank Stranahan collection proceeds will be donated to The First Tee of Lake Erie.
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