1939 US Open Badge - Rarely seen green complimentary ticket - NELSON'S WIN & SNEAD'S COLLAPSE

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/18/2011

For the 1939 United States Open held at Philadelphia Country Club the U.S.G.A issued two types of admittance badges. A white badge for sale to the general public, and the rarely seen complimentary green badge (#54) offered here. The '39 Open was tightly contested and went to a three-player 18 hole playoff. This easily could have been expanded to four or won outright by Sam Snead who took an eight on the final hole of play. In attendance that day and on the deciding 72nd hole for Snead was golfing legend, Bobby Jones. In the playoff,Byron Nelson and Craig Wood each shot 68 to eliminate Denny Shute who carded 76. This setup another playoff the following day highlighted by Lord Byron holing out a 215 yard one iron on the fourth hole for eagle to pace his 70-73 win over Wood. The 1939 Open was the only men's Championship contested at the historic Philadelphia Country Club, and also Nelson's lone Open victory among his five majors. Philadelphia C.C. had its origin in 1890 and was started as a Polo field and club for Philadelphia society. Thus the horse-head that is used as the clubs logo and decorates the face of the pin along with simple black lettering on the green field. The 2 1/2" diameter pin remains in excellent overall condition with only detraction being a reverse side which shows wear and a damaged clasping pin. A scarce memento from Sam Snead's greatest collapse and Byron Nelson's hard fought U.S. Open Championship.