This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2016
Personal Ben Hogan Used Brown/White Wing Tip Golf Shoes - with Extra Spike
As we all know, Ben Hogan is thought to have one of the best swings in the history of golf. What are the reasons for this? What is the secret? One thought with some basis, is he added extra spikes to his shoes so he could be more connected to the ground. He understood the importance of having a stable base and wanted as much as he could get. In Hogan's day all outsoles were flat with no additional traction. The only interaction with the turf came from the spikes. When the metal spikes were placed around the perimeter there were some large areas that did not have any traction. Thus, Hogan would have seen some benefit from adding a couple spikes. Author Tim Scott in His book Ben Hogan:The Myths Everyone Knows, the Man No One Knew had this to say,"Ben Hogan's golf shoes were unique, custom made, some in New York City and some in London. Hogan's shoes had two extra spikes in them, one in the heel and one under the ball of his foot. These gave him stronger footing for his forceful swing." This pair of shoes is sourced from Hogan's time as the first club professional at Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. Hogan was named the inaugural pro on January 17, 1952 and remained in the position until Ellsworth Vines took over in 1955. During this time the caddy master/starter at Tamarisk was George "Scorpy" Doyle, who also would serve as entertainers Phil Harris and Bob Hopes' caddy (As confirmed by Hope in his book"Have Tux Will Travel"). Doyle was gifted the worn 8 1/2 C S4653 shoes bearing the name Ben Hogan written in period ink accompanied by extra trademark spikes by Mr. Hogan himself. These shoes were then gifted by Doyle as a thank you to our consignor, a distinguished member of professional golf's inner circle for over fifty years. Original personally used Hogan golf equipment like this is the gold standard of golf collecting. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, THIS IS THE REAL DEAL! Studying the soles of Hogan's shoes is enormously fascinating for the true devotee.
Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on Sunday, October 2nd with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended