2022 July Golf Memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 07/17/2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/17/2022
1930 Agua Caliente Open Program with Booklet - Gene Sarazen Winner
A very rare souvenir program from the $25,000 Agua Caliente Open Golf Tournament from 'Nineteen-Thirty' at Agua Caliente in Tijuana, Mexico. It was the richest purse in golf history (at that time) and the inaugural playing of the tournament. The tournament that translates to "Hot Water" saw the who's who of field topped by the legendary Gene Sarazen, besting fellow stars Walter Hagen, Horton Smith, Craig Wood, Macdonald Smith among others. This program in is good condition, with the outer shell exhibiting light edge wear and protecting he inner pages that remain in very good condition. There is a stunning watercolor pictorial cover with a post-swing time-period golfer just below. The host Agua Caliente was built in 1928 by three American gangsters including the notorious Bugsy Siegel in collaboration with Mexican Governor Abelardo Rodriguez and a glorified tourist destination for the prohibition era California residents. The golf course was designed by William P. Bell and Leo Diegel was resident head club professional. This is accompanied by a booklet with a black and white depiction of the clubhouse. The PGA Tour would return to Tijuana, Mexico in 2018, reminding many of the host cities rich golfing origins.
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