1936 U.S. Open Contestants Badge

        Our consignor's uncle was 1930's professional golfer Alvin Krueger, who saw his greatest success in 1936 when he competed in the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open and PGA Championship.

        Offered here is Krueger's actual contestant's badge from the 1936 U.S. Open. 164 of these contestant's badges were issued in 1936, but how many have really survived the past 78 years? Surely only a few.

        Historical note: The 1936 U.S. Open was won by a little-known Tony Manero at famed Baltusrol Golf Club. It would become one of the most controversial Major Championship victories of all-time. The high-strung Manero was not seen as a threat to win the tournament. When he barely qualified to make the field, his good friend Gene Sarazen requested to be paired with Manero. When Manero shocked the golf world and won the tournament, an official complaint was filed with the PGA alleging that Sarazen gave Manero advice throughout their rounds, thus violating the Rules of Golf. No proof was found, and Manero remains a U.S. Open Champion to this day.