Francis Ouimet Signed Letter 

Long before Bobby Jones became a household name in the United States, a previously unknown amateur sent shockwaves through the world and established golf's place in America for good. The 1913 U.S. Open was supposed to be a clash between two titans of golf - the legendary Harry Vardon, and Ted Ray. For one week, however, a 20-year old American matched them pace for pace. At the end of 4 rounds, the unknown American boy (and his 10 year old caddie) was tied with two of the biggest names in golf. With the entire country seemingly holding its breath, Ouimet played the round of his life in the 18-hole playoff and dominated Vardon and Ray to claim U.S. Open victory. With his victory, Ouimet became the first amateur to ever win the U.S. Open, the youngest U.S. Open winner, as well as numerous other records. But his feat was more important and more lasting than those records - it is widely considered the birth of modern golf.   

Presented here is an elusive autograph of Francis Ouimet. This is an authentic signature of one of the most iconic figures in golf history. It comes on a great 1953 letter to Siwanoy Country Club Head Professional Tom Kerrigan, on which Ouimet makes reference to Robert Trent Jones being the finest golf course architect in the game. Ouimet passed away in 1967, and the rarity of his autographs is without question. In addition to the signed Ouimet letter, the lot also includes a Ouimet First Day Cover (FDC) and an 8x10 photo.