Highly Decorated Soldier& Actor Audie Murphy's Personal Ben Hogan Signature Clubs In Bag
This is one of the rarest sets of golf clubs from the Babe and George Zaharias estate. Mr. Audie Leon
Murphy, the most decorated hero in World War II, was a proud Texas-born individual. Fate played a
large part in connecting him with two other famous Texans, Babe Zaharias and Ben Hogan. During his
post war years, Audie’s life included guest appearances on celebrity television, starring in numerous
Hollywood Westerns and dabbled in songwriting, which ironically connected him and Babe Zaharias at a
charity event where Babe and her side kick protégé Betty Dodd on guitar, performed one of Audie’s
songs. Over the years, Audie spent time with Babe and George at their home and their newly acquired
Tampa Golf and Country Club. Audie was a decent golfer, nevertheless he had a great appreciation for
fellow Texan Ben Hogan. After purchasing a set of Macgregor Ben Hogan clubs, Audie sent a letter to
Mr. Hogan stating how he looked forward to playing with them when he got the opportunity. Audie
stayed in touch with Mr. Hogan over the years writing about his golf game and oil speculations. One Of
Audie’s visits to see Babe and George was on the same weekend as the 1952 National Golf Day, kicking
off the “I beat the US Open champion Ben Hogan” event. The event was a tremendous success with a
host of golfers beating Mr. Hogan at their local clubs using the Handicap system, with Audie Murphy and
his twenty-six handicap being one of those lucky golfers. Babe and Audie teamed up against George and
local lady champion club member Belle Torres. Audie now had another medal he could add to his
achievements and for several years he carried the medal on his key chain. When Audie decided to order
a new Hogan golf bag, he sent the medal in to be attached to the bag, feeling that it had mystic powers.
The set of clubs have been stored away since Big George Zaharias passed away in 1984, showcased here. 35" - 42 1/2." A signed letter of provenance from The Babe Zaharias Foundation comes with this lot.
The Golf Auction is proud to present our first auction of the year, the 2024 January Golf Memorabilia Auction. Please utilize the categories column to help you navigate towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, February 4th in order to participate in extended bidding.
AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
1. Place your initial bids BEFORE 10pm ET Sunday February 4th in order to bid on the item(s) during extended bidding
2. During extended bidding, you may only bid on items you PREVIOUSLY placed a bid on.
3. Lots with only ONE or NO BIDS at the time of auction close will close at 10pm ET
Extended bidding starts at 10pm ET, and all lots will begin closing with their own 30-minute countdown clock. Clock will reset to 30 minutes with each bid, please refresh your page. Thank you
Please Note: TGA will charge the Bidder/Buyer of the Item(s) a commission (Buyer’s Premium) of nineteen and one-half percent (19.5%) on the successful and final bid price of each of the Item(s) or lot(s) won. No discounts apply. No returns. TGA is not responsible for customs, duties, brokerage and/or similar charges on items shipped internationally. Placement of a bid in this auction constitutes acceptance of all of the terms and conditions in this auction. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.