Champion Jan Stephenson's 1977 Australian Open Champion Fluted Bowl Trophy
A special homecoming it was when the native Jan Stephenson returned to her country of Australia for its national open tournament in 1977. It had been years since the prodigy turned superstar left for the United States shortly after joining the tour in July of 1974. Four years after winning the Australian Open for the first time and starting Stephenson's professional career in the country she would defend home soil against US challenger Pat Bradley in a playoff. Was the home-town gallery happy about that? "They gave me an ovation every time I walked to the greens. It was thrilling. You’ve seen the galleries applauding Arnold Palmer all the way around a golf course? Well, that happened to me (Jan Stephenson). “My mother was caddying for me, she was close to tears. I had goose bumps. It was the neatest feeling.” Her mother had been her caddie and good friend when Jan was growing up in Sydney. The tournament could not have gone better for the local pride in Stephenson - one of the most important wins of her career.
The white and green pinched bowl itself is separate from the wooden plinth in which it sits on. Engraved in the latter's nameplate is 'Wills Qantas - Australian Ladies Open Championship - Manly Golf Club, NSW - Jan Stephenson - 1977 Champion.' 9" x 13" x 12"
A signed letter of provenance from Jan Stephenson comes with this lot.
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