February 15, 2006

By: Sharon Madison
Website: http://www.1st-in-golf.com

Ben Hogan Golf teams up with World Golf Hall of Fame

Ben Hogan Golf, in honor of its namesakes’ banner 1953 season, has joined the World Golf Hall of Fame located in St. Augustine, Florida, in celebration of an upcoming exhibit, Ben Hogan’s Historic Season: 1953 - A Golden Anniversary Tribute, which will be unveiled Tuesday, March 25.

Fifty years ago, Ben Hogan completed one of golf’s greatest feats when he became the first professional to win three majors in the same season: the 1953 Masters, the U.S. Open and the British Open. The exhibit will feature a generous amount of photographs and memorabilia from 1953, when he won five of the six four-round tournaments he entered that year-the U.S. Open, the Masters and the British Open, plus the Colonial and the Pan-American.

Made possible with the donation of memorabilia from Ben Hogan Golf, Shady Oaks Country Club and Colonial Country Club as well as author Martin Davis, the exhibit will feature equipment, photographs and mementos from 1953 when Mr. Hogan won five of the six four-round tournaments he entered that year among its historical chronicles. Other career moments will be featured in the exhibit, including his near-death car accident and the formation of his golf equipment company, The Ben Hogan Company.

“We’re pleased to join the World Golf Hall of Fame to bring Mr. Hogan’s achievements to life for all the world to enjoy and appreciate,” said Lou Tursi, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service for Spalding Sports Worldwide, owner of Ben Hogan golf. “He is truly among sports greatest legends, so golf fans, historians, and sports fans alike will enjoy this wonderful exhibit.”

For the exhibit, Ben Hogan Golf has donated numerous items including one of two original sets of golf clubs made in 1954 by the Ben Hogan Company in its original box, a distinctive cap that was Mr. Hogan’s trademark, copies of photos not released to the public, and a letter Mr. Hogan wrote and distributed to club pros in October of 1953 introducing his plans for his golf company. In addition, the company donated a driver and 4 wood that was among the last Mr. Hogan used and his scorecard from the 1953 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

Other artifacts will include several of Mr. Hogan’s putters, including prototypes he developed; a pair of his shoes showing extra spikes; and a scorecard from Shady Oaks when he beat his age for the first time, shooting 64 at age 65.

The memorabilia on display will also include Mr. Hogan’s locker containing personal items from Shady Oaks Country Club, where he was a member.

“Mr. Hogan’s achievements and contributions to the game are so monumental and should never to be forgotten,” said Sharon Rea, Mr. Hogan’s longtime administrative assistant, who was instrumental in organizing the initiative with the World Golf Hall of Fame. “Having memorabilia, personal photographs and keepsakes from his championship 1953 season at such a heralded museum is the best tribute we could pay to Mr. Hogan.”

Martin Davis, author of the book, “Ben Hogan: The Man Behind the Mystique,” has also contributed to the exhibit which will feature several photographs that are extremely rare and have been published only in his book. They include photos of the 1953 British Open and the New York City ticker tape parade that came from Hogan’s personal collection.

“It is our pleasure to celebrate the golden anniversary of Ben Hogan’s outstanding year, 1953, and his entire career,” said Jack Peter, the Hall of Fame’s Chief Operating Officer.

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Author Notes:

Sharon Madison contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-golf.com.  A source of information on golf equipment, golf manufacturers, supplies, tips and more.