Walter Hagen's Personal Used Irons, Woods & Putter in Full Size Bag w/Bag Tags
“Hey Wally, why don’t you take those (Babe's clubs) home with you, I know Babe would totally agree if she were here” George Zaharias said to his good friend 11-time major winner Walter Hagen admiring 'The Babe's' clubs. The Haig, captivated, was silent for several seconds after then said, I appreciate that, how about a swap (!), my set for Babes? Big George appeared pleased and said “done”! The two gentlemen shook hands and poured another drink. Ironically both Hagen and George were under contract to the Wilson Sporting Goods Company who produced Hagen’s golf clubs.
Now recounted by The Babe Zaharias Foundation, the club swap between Walter Hagen and the late Babe Zaharias' husband nearly 80 years ago was the last change of hands for this incredible, museum-grade set of Walter Hagen's personal clubs. These include his 'The Haig' irons, 'WHC' stamped woods and 'HAGEN' engraved Otey Crisman putter - all inside this personal black leather bag still containing two PGA of America bag tags with the 11-time major champion's name. The leather and metal PGA of America bag tags come from Edgewater Golf Club (Chicago) and Palm Ceia Golf Club (Tampa) respectfully, along with a 'Bay Hill Hotel locker 1007' leather tag also in the geographical area. Included In the woods set is a 1,2,3 and 4 persimmon wood, each with the aforementioned 'WHC' standing for Walter Hagen Charles (middle name). Hagen's complete 'The Haig' iron set runs from 2 iron through sand wedge. Hagen's putter impresses with both usage and the highly significant sole stamp diagonal letter-by-letter of 'Hagen' in uppercase along with a lead weight added. Red and black Tollygunge stamped headcovers leftover from the world traveler's Indian escapades are on the woods.
Walter Hagen was in, Tampa, Florida in Fall 1956 to console the grieving George Zaharias after his wife, legendary golfer Babe Zaharias passed less than a month prior and get a round in of course. The story goes the next morning at breakfast, Hagen noticed a set of Babe’s clubs sitting in the corner of the den and he couldn’t resist taking a gander at what Babe had in her bag. Hagen was impressed by the feel of the clubs, saying they felt alive in his hands and that is probably how they felt to Babe as well. George interrupted Hagen saying My Babe was a master at designing and creating her tools of the trade. Hagen then continued checking out each club until Big George realized this was an opportunity to share something of Babe’s with his friend. The preserved story, incredible FULL set of clubs from the great Walter Hagen comes with a signed letter of provenance from The Babe Zaharias Foundation.
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