1915 U.S.G.A. Open Championship at Baltusrol GC Special Number Program
If the question were to be posed: 'Is there a 1915 US Open Program?' our answer would be a resounding 'yes', and it is (improbably) presented in this lot - the earliest single tournament chronicling publication orchestrated by the USGA for either their US Open or Amateur Championships that we have uncovered.
"Golf, The Magazine, began publication in 1896 and on a monthly basis gave complete reports of club matches, important tournaments, new courses and prominent players. It also served as the official printed organ of the USGA," proclaims Dick McDonough and Pete Georgiady's 'Great Golf Collections of the World' publication on page 107 in reference to the world-renown Alastair Johnston's library.
The above excerpt further strengthens the argument that this 1915 U.S.G.A. Open Championship at Baltusrol GC Special Number 'program', produced shortly after the tournament to best tell its full story from start to finish, should be considered THE tournament program. Golf was not what was on the top of the country's mind in 1915, but it offered much needed relief less than a year after the World War I started (abroad). The United States would not enter the war until 1917, with the US Open being played one more time before the break in 1916. It was a time in which the top amateur golfers were also considered the top golfers, and four-time US Amateur champion Jerome Travers further exemplified that position. Championing the 1915 US Open with his stroke total of 297 and by a single tally less than runner-up Tom McNamara, Jerome Travers abruptly announced retirement - his last competitive golf memory doubling as his crowning achievement.
This 'Golf' printed 'program' by the request and leadership of the U.S.G.A. as the official carries time-period artwork of a golfer post-swing with two onlookers in the foreground and the clubhouse in the background. a fascinating angle for historians or those with like interests, only furthering the already insurmountable intrigue for this lot, is that throughout this publication are content specific notes and even a correction to the text that this individual that notated on the cover 'Suggest Keeping This.' Written thoughts discuss how certain holes were played and styles in which certain contestants played holes. Numerous photos break down the course, tournament and even depict champion Jerome Travers holding the US Open trophy. Condition is an afterthought of this nearly impossible paper acquisition, however noted as consistent with the age and usage as a reader, the body remains completely intact and is detached from the spine (please see photo #12) and slight paper loss on the front and back cover.
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