Hale Irwin's 1975 Ryder Cup at Laurel Valley Team USA Member Money Clip - 1st Appearance
Have a week Hale! In his Ryder Cup debut 30-year old Irwin lead Team USA with 4.5 points unbeaten at 4-0-1! Elegance and patriotism both come to mind when appreciating US Ryder Cup Team Rookie Hale Irwin's 1975 Ryder Cup contestant clip issued for tournament display that is showcased in this lot. The red, white and blue enamel trophy relief piece employed the player badge design of the 1960's and 1970's, with this example carrying Irwin's etched name on the base and '1975' engraved above. Contested in Captain Arnold Palmer's backyard of Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania it should be no surprise that he and his army guided the home U.S. Ryder Cup Team to a dominant 21-11 victory over Great Britain & Ireland.
A signed letter of provenance from Hale Irwin will come with this lot.
The Hale Irwin Collection
One of only six three-time US Open champions in the USGA tournament's rich history, Hale won twenty times on the PGA Tour. The worthy 1992 World Golf Hall of Famer notched another forty-five PGA Champions Tour wins. Surprise to noone, the five-time United States Ryder Cup Team member lifted the trophy on each occasion, later showcasing his experience at the 1994 Presidents Cup as a playing captain. Irwin preceded his professional career with an NCAA individual golf championship in 1967 while also playing football at the University of Colorado, staying stateside for his undergraduate schooling.
Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Hale Irwin; These are the only men that have won the USGA's prized US Open Championship three or more times since its inception in 1895. The list six long is cut to two that have accomplished the feat in the last three decades. Hale's third USGA triumph would come in 1990, 11 years after his second and he would become the oldest US Open champion at 45 years and 15 days old. This would break Ryder Cup teammate Ray Floyd's mark set in 1986 by 15 months
Hale Irwin would soon find a new home away from home; a vacation spot in which he handled his business. Maybe it found him. Aloha! 'Hale' in the native language means 'house' or 'home.' Maui Island's Kapalua Resort would be added to Irwin's visor, shirt and bag after finding great success in the state of Hawaii and capturing what the natives call the 'Aloha Spirit.' It began with a 1981 Hawaiian Open win on the PGA Tour prior to going on a state golfing run that few will ever duplicate. "In his first 21 Champions Tour events in Hawaii, Irwin finished either first or second 11 times. In his career he has won nearly $2.5 million in 28 events and he’s a cumulative 226-under par in those tournaments with an average score of 69.15," the PGA Tour website marveled. A slice of Hale Irwin's magnificent golfing career is told in this auction through artifacts from his personal collection in which he has generously offered in this auction. The Golf Auction says ohoiho (enjoy)!
The Golf Auction is proud to present our 2023 July Golf Memorabilia Auction Featuring the Hale Irwin Collection. Please utilize the categories column to help you navigate towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, July 23rd in order to participate in extended bidding. Please note that all initial bids must be placed BEFORE 10pm ET
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