Highly Decorated Soldier& Actor Audie Murphy's Personal Ben Hogan Signature Clubs In Bag

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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/5/2024

Highly Decorated Soldier& Actor Audie Murphy's Personal Ben Hogan Signature Clubs In Bag

This is one of the rarest sets of golf clubs from the Babe and George Zaharias estate. Mr. Audie Leon Murphy, the most decorated hero in World War II, was a proud Texas-born individual. Fate played a large part in connecting him with two other famous Texans, Babe Zaharias and Ben Hogan. During his post war years, Audie’s life included guest appearances on celebrity television, starring in numerous Hollywood Westerns and dabbled in songwriting, which ironically connected him and Babe Zaharias at a charity event where Babe and her side kick protégé Betty Dodd on guitar, performed one of Audie’s songs. Over the years, Audie spent time with Babe and George at their home and their newly acquired Tampa Golf and Country Club. Audie was a decent golfer, nevertheless he had a great appreciation for fellow Texan Ben Hogan. After purchasing a set of Macgregor Ben Hogan clubs, Audie sent a letter to Mr. Hogan stating how he looked forward to playing with them when he got the opportunity. Audie stayed in touch with Mr. Hogan over the years writing about his golf game and oil speculations. One Of Audie’s visits to see Babe and George was on the same weekend as the 1952 National Golf Day, kicking off the “I beat the US Open champion Ben Hogan” event. The event was a tremendous success with a host of golfers beating Mr. Hogan at their local clubs using the Handicap system, with Audie Murphy and his twenty-six handicap being one of those lucky golfers. Babe and Audie teamed up against George and local lady champion club member Belle Torres. Audie now had another medal he could add to his achievements and for several years he carried the medal on his key chain. When Audie decided to order a new Hogan golf bag, he sent the medal in to be attached to the bag, feeling that it had mystic powers. The set of clubs have been stored away since Big George Zaharias passed away in 1984, showcased here. 35" - 42 1/2." A signed letter of provenance from The Babe Zaharias Foundation comes with this lot.

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