2022 June Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date - 06/19/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2022
Four Original Photos of Rod Munday, Fred Hawkins, Tony Manero, & Fred Haas at 1948 Reading Open
Contained in this lot are four original photos that showcase the lighter side of these four golfers pictured and the type of people they were when they weren't competing with thousands of dollars on the line. Rod Munday, Fred Hawkins, Tony Manero and Fred Haas are depicted at the 1948 Reading Open, a tournament in which Munday's personal friend Ben Hogan picked up the victory. Many of these shots are close and capture joyful expressions on the faces, a testament to friendships and camaraderie that originated from the game of golf. These are in good condition, with labeling in pencil on the photos' reverses.6 3/8" x 4 7/8" to 6 1/4" x 8 1/8."
Rod Munday Collection
A contemporary of Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, and Paul Runyan, Rod Munday traveled the same proving ground as many of the touring and club professionals in a career that spanned over 50 years. His friendship with those individuals and fellow teaching professionals lasted throughout his life as a pro golfer that started in Northern California and ended in Pennsylvania. Rod competed in many pro tournaments including both the 1940 and 1946 Masters Tournaments. He frequently qualified for and played in the PGA Championship from the 1930’s through the early 1960’s, and competed in the 1934, 1935, 1946, and 1947 US Open. If a putt would have fallen one way or another, Munday could have been a golfer that was mentioned in the same sentence as the legendary golfers of his day.
Munday, a World War II army vet who received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, was the preferred teaching professional for many celebrities and dignitaries, none larger than President and General Dwight D Eisenhower. Eisenhower became Rod’s #1 pupil at the Gettysburg Country Club in Pennsylvania. Munday was just as much a personal friend to these larger than life figures as a golf instructor. Many of the leading tour players such as 1941 Masters champion Craig Wood, considered Rod Munday one of the top putting minds of the 1950’s. Horton Smith, Byron Nelson, Henry Cotton, Jack Grout, and Gene Sarazen all kept in contact with Munday over the years. The allure to play exhibitions at Munday’s clubs at Highland Meadows in Toledo, Ohio and the Country Club of York in Pennsylvania was there for many, including visits and fundraisers attended by one of his closest friends, Ben Hogan. The Golf Auction is proud to offer the Rod Munday Collection, helping to tell the story of the man himself.
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