1940 Ryder Cup Team

vs. Hagen Challengers Ticket

        With the outbreak of World War II, The Ryder Cup was suspended from 1939-1945, and the U.S. retained the trophy from its 1937 victory. The United States continued the spirit of the contest by selecting a 10-member team that participated in "challenge" matches against fellow Americans to raise funds for the American Red Cross, various service organizations and other war-related efforts. These exhibition matches brought together the greatest American players of the era.

        The 1940 challenge competition was played at Oakland Hills Country Club with Walter Hagen acting as captain of the Ryder Cup team and competing against Gene Sarazen's Challengers. Sarazen, who was controversially left off The Ryder Cup Team, assembled a mighty team that included Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret and Craig Wood. 

        Presented here is an original ticket from those historic matches - the first we have ever encountered.