Lot # 123: 1942 Hale America Open Program (Ben Hogan's Controversial 5th US Open)

Starting Bid: $150.00

Bids: 29 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
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Item was in Auction "2022 Golf History Auction",
which ran from 11/22/2022 5:00 PM to
12/10/2022 8:00 PM



After the United States entered World War II, the US Open golf tournament was canceled from 1942 to 1945. In 1942, the USGA co-hosted the Hale America National Open. This tournament attracted most of the top golfers of the day, including Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Craig Wood, and Jimmy Demaret. When Ben Hogan won the event, he was given a gold medal nearly identical to his other 4 US Open gold medals that Hogan would eventually win. 

Even since that day, fans and scholars have debated whether the 1942 Hale America should indeed count as a US Open, and therefore giving Ben Hogan a 5th US Open victory. Adding fuel to that fire was Ben Hogan himself, who was adamant that he won 5 US Opens. To the day, the USGA has not aknowledged the 1942 Hale America as a true US Open tournament. 

Offered here is an actual program from that famous (and controversial) 1942 Hale America Open. Good condition.