1916 US Amateur at Merion CC Contestant Badge - Bobby Jones Major Debut - Scarce!
Offered in this marquee lot is certainly one of the finest examples of the seldom scene 1916 contestant's pin. This pin served as a badge of passage to the course for the elite few golfers who had risen to the apex of amateur competition in The United States. Throughout the mid 1910's and 20's, the United States Golf Association applied a similar design for this event's badge. The 1916 badge presents as a circular pin featuring a scalloped edge of gold. At the top of the pin in white enamel is the wording "CONTESTANT". Encircling the pin in bright red enamel is "U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEPT 4 TO 9TH, 1916". The interior area of the badge has raised scripting "USGA". This is a spectacular high-grade example of this early contestant's badge, with perfect enamel and with only the slightest hints of light wear visible along the border. The reverse contains the stampings of the manufacturer Whitehead & Hoag. Co. Newark, N.J., and its original clasping pin is still operational today. As significant as this badge, from an unknown contestant, is for scarcity and condition of equal appeal to collectors is the first Major appearance in '16 by 14-year-old Bobby Jones. Word of the 5 foot 4 inch Georgia Amateur champ known as 'Little Bobby' spread across the country quickly. The 1916 tournament was held at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and is historically significant as the site where Chick Evans became the first golfer to win both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur in the same calendar year. The last time The Golf Auction had the opportunity to offer this 1916 Bobby Jones initial Major contestant's badge was 17 years ago. Please act accordingly in your bidding.
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