3x US Open Runner-Up Tom McNamara's 1918 Red Cross Relief Tournament Winner's Medal
Some of Golf's biggest names supported the World War I effort through exhibition matches, showcasing their skills across the United States in exhibitions that raised funds for the American Red Cross. This large, commanding medal was presented to three-time US Open runner-up Tom McNamara, 1909, 1912 and 1915, when the Brookline, MA pro won the club tournament at Worchester CC. During his first US Open runner up finish in 1909, McNamara became the first player to ever break 70 in a competative American tournament and had three stroke lead heading into back ine before having a heat stroke and finishing second. An accomplished amateur player, he won 7 tournaments including the 1915 Western Open when it was widely considered a major. McNamara was the head professional at Fall River Country Club in Massachusetts, later Siwanoy CC in Brinxville, NY and actually proposed idea of the PGA Championship to his then boss Rodman Wanamater when the first tournament in 1916 was played at Siwanoy CC. This family heirloom was passed down from generation to generation and is now presented at auction for the first time by his grandson. Bold Red Cross emblem with enamel intact encircled by AMERICAN RED CROSS + PRIZE MEDAL + on front of bronze award.An inner circular border is embossed with the text AWARDED IN RECOGNITION OF AID TO THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY WORLD WAR. Reverse employs wording in outer border PATRIOTISM GENEROSITY SUPREMACY. The center is hand-engraved with the following text: Club Competition / WORCESTER COUNTRY CLUB / SEPT 20, 18 / WON BY / TOM MCNAMARA. The medal is bordered by a raised laurel leaf wreath design.
Accompanying the medal is a single-page typed letter on official American Red Cross War Fund Committee of New York stationery, dated May 29, 1918. The letterhead lists William C. Breed as Chairman and Albert B. Ashforth as Chairman of the Committee on Entertainments and Benefits. The correspondence is addressed to Mr. Tom McNamara, C/O John Wanamaker, Bway & 10th St., New York City. The text expresses gratitude for McNamara's participation in an additional golf match at Apawamis on May 23 to benefit the Second Red Cross War Fund. The letter is hand-signed in ink by Albert B. Ashforth. The reverse side of the paper contains various handwritten pencil notations, including the name H. S. Seeley, Waterbury, Conn. and a grid. Over 100 years have passed, this now avaliable for public consumption for the first time..
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