1918 WWI Foch Victory Golf Medal

(John D. Rockefeller)

        In 1918, American Billionaire John D. Rockefeller donated 1,200 medals to be awarded to the champions of 18-hole, medal-play, handicap competitions held at golf clubs throughout the country on Saturday, Nov. 16, 1918 to raise money for the United War Workers. Entry fees were set at $1, but each participant was encouraged to give as much as they were able. Rockefeller implored all clubs to participate in the hopes of raising between $170,000 and $500,000, according to The New York Times. The prize for the Champions of these 1918 golf tournaments received one of those 1200 “Victory Golf Medals”, which contains a likeness of Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch on it.

        Offered here is one of those original bronze 2-1/2" Victory Golf Medals. One of these Foch Victory medals is also on display at the USGA Museum in Far Hills, NJ.