2014 Spring Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2014
Frank Stranahan's 1950 U.S.G.A. Amateur Golf Championship Sterling Runner-Up Medal
Frank Stranahan claimed amateur golf titles across the entire world including the much heralded British Amateur twice. His burning ambition,however, was to win the United States Amateur. In 1950, Stranahan was playing in his 6th Amateur which was the Golden Anniversary 50th edition of the United States Golf Association's annual top event for simon-pure golfers. After disposing of the 21 year old Wake Forest Senior college golfer Arnold Palmer in his first round match, Stranny made his way through his various early round matches finally reaching his first, and only career U.S. Amateur 36 holes finals match. The record books will show that Stranahan fell to Sam Urzetta that August 26th, 1950 day on the third sudden death hole, their 39th hole played (the longest match played to decide the Amateur title over the first 50 years of play). The loss was the toughest of Stranahan's career, but the follow up press coverage of the match dwelled almost more on Frank's post tournament remarks then the play of either finalist. The Ohioan's remarks to Urzetta,the crowd and media assembled that day were some of the most gracious acceptances of defeat in history. He had come a long way not only as a golfer but as a magnificant sportsman. The award for Frank Stranahan's runner-up finish in the 1950 U.S.Amateur is offered in this lot. The 1 3/4 diameter silver medal features the classic raised relief logo of the United States Golf Association on its facing side. The reverse side offers raised relief of laurels of accomplishment which encircle these engraved reminders of the memorable day in golf history:"1950","Amateur Championship","Minneapolis Golf Club", "Minneapolis, Minn.", "Runner-Up". The side edge of medal displays the name of "J.E.C. & Co." the silver house that produced the medal which is also boldly stamped "STERLING" in this same area.
A portion of the Frank Stranahan collection proceeds will be donated to The First Tee of Lake Erie.
In order to bid in extended bidding you must place a bid on the lot before 9pm on auction closing day. The Golf Auction's Spring Auction will end in two sessions on April 10th and April 13th, 2014. Session 1 (Lots 1-400) will end on April 10th, 2014 at 9:00pm EST with extended bidding to follow. Session 2 (Lots 401+) will end on April 13th, 2014 at 9:00pm EST with extended bidding to follow. Get your bids in before the session ends.
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