Horton Smith Signed 1945 Letter to Henry Cotton w/Bobby Jones, Augusta National Re-Opening & Army Content
Chalked full of both WWII and the state of golf during the war content, concluded with an ink signature from first and third Masters winner Horton Smith is his two-page letter written to friend and three-time Open Champion Henry Cotton. This January 14, 1945 dated missive discusses Augusta National Golf Club's reopening, Smith's thoughts on the then young Loutenient in the Air Corps Ben Hogan and mentioning of visit from Bobby Jones in New York along with other top golfers. It starts off with the most important topic at hand then, Smith stating "Certainly join you in whishing for an end to this war so we can "worry" about more trivial matters." How was it for him? "I have been in the Army for 26 months and have survived all right thus far." Smith mentioned "Have seen only one competition and that was the Pinehurst North and South Open." Friends visited while he was stationed in the 'Broadway Commando,' "Have seen (Bobby) Jones, (Joe) Kirkwood, (Gene) Sarazen...here in New York." In the athletic department, Smith wrote "I have been trying to influence golf in the Army...it will have a logical place in the rehabilitation and demobilization program." In American golf, "We are having a normal list of pro tournaments and the boys are cleaning up...Sam Snead has won three since Naval discharge." Smith's thoughts on major championship winners, "Saw Johnny Farrell recently and he looked very old, maybe 5 children would cause that??...You never saw Ben Hogan play golf did you? He is a sharp little man who can whack the ball. He is a Lt. in Air Corps." Big news from Augusta National Golf Club, "(Horton Smith's son) and Barbara (wife) are now in Augusta with the (Member Alfred) Bournes. They are re-opening the fine Augusta Natl there which is a course you should play some spring." Henry Cotton would heed Smith's advice and play The Masters in 1948 for the first of three times. Over the two pages on Army Head Quarters stationary, Horton Smith (1908-1963), catches up with friend and fellow legendary golfer Henry Cotton overseas eagerly awaiting the end of the war and return to normalcy. James Spence Authentication (JSA) has reviewed this signature and their auction letter of authenticity (ALOA) comes with this lot.
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