Lloyd Mangrum's Contestants pin 1954 World Championship of Golf

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2010

In the 1940's and 50's professional golf arena the World Championship of Golf and the All American Open both hosted by George S. May and held at Tam O'Shanter in Niles, Il during the month of August were the events to play. These were the two most important tournaments of the year in terms of prize purses. These events purses dwarfed other tour events paying close to five times what other events paid. It was also one of the few showcases for leading international players to compete against the best U.S. professionals. This was another of the locations where Mangrum was at his finest winning the All American Open in 1948,49,53 and capturing the 1948 Worlds Championship of Golf. Offered here is his 1954 Contestants pin from the the World Championship of Golf in near perfect condition. Letter from Mangrum's family accompanies this lot. Mangrum, with movie star good looks was a member of the "Texas Gang" that rode out of the hardscrabble caddie yards to plunder the PGA tour in it's first Golden Age, along with Jimmy Demaret, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. He joined the Tour in 1937 and quickly established himself setting the course record of 64 in his first round of play ever at the Masters in 1940. This score would not be matched until Jack Nicklaus carded it in the 1960's. Duty to country fighting under General Patton in the second World War saw Mangrum fight bravely at the Battle of the Bulge and earn two Purple Hearts. This only slowed his golf career as he returned better then ever, winning the 1946 US Open. The win at the Open in 1946 was only the start of greatness as he would go on to win 30 more times on Tour for his career total of 36 wins, the 12th most wins ever by a player in his career. In 1951, Mangrum led the PGA money list. He earned the Vardon Trophy in both 1951 and 1953 with the lowest seasonal scoring average on Tour. An excellent Ryder Cup performer, Mangrum appeared in four matches highlighted by his role as player/captain in the 10th ever matches in 1953. His career has twice been recognized with the highest honor with induction into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1964 and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. This lot comes directly from Lloyd Mangrum's heirs and a letter of authenticity will accompany this lot signed by the heirs. It is very rare to obtain quality golf memorabilia directly from the family with Iron clad authenticity.

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