Frank Stranahan Signed The Old Course St. Andrews Logo Golf Ball
The significance of what Frank Stranahan meant to post-World War II golf in Europe is hard to quantify in an adjective. We will settle for immense. He along with Chick Evans were the only two Americans to venture to Birkdale, England for the 1946 British Amateur, an event that had been suspended by the horrors of war since 1939. Stranahan would fair well advancing to the round of 16 that year. Giving fore warning of his future success in the event, but of more importance offering assurance to the United States' top amateur and professional players that it was safe to return overseas and compete in the British Amateur and Open. The strong play of Stranny would continue as he earned the lofty accolade of "best amateur since Bobby Jones" in part to his 1948 triumph in the British Amateur at Sandwich; and second place overall finishes, as an amateur battling pros, in both the 1947 Masters and British Opens.
The long hitting Toledo, Ohio native was a favorite to win any event he entered, be it amateur or pro, on either side of the Atlantic. This was the case when he came to Scotland and St. Andrews for the 1950 British Amateur. Stranahan continued to dominate with a steamroll effort over fellow American Walker Cupper Dick Chapman 8 and 6 in the final (only the second all-U.S. final in the 56-year history of the event). In 1950, the British Amateur contested in May was still considered the first "Major" of the year. The immediate question following Stranahan's win was, "Did he see an equaling of Jones' "Grand Slam" in his future?". He humbly deflected this question; more concerned at the moment with winning the Amateur, at the sacred to all golfers, St. Andrews course. The significance of this accomplishment at the birthplace of golf, is easily apparent and it is with great pleasure that we present a St. Andrews logo golf ball signed by the late Stranahan. James Spence Authentication (JSA) has reviewed this signature and their auction letter of authenticity comes with this lot.
The Golf Auction is proud to present this our final auction of 2022. This eclectic group of memorabilia represents all areas of the golf collecting world, so please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, December 18th in order to participate in extended bidding
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