Lot Detail - 1943 Chicago District Golf Association Tribute Award to Thomas G. McMahon - Framed

1943 Chicago District Golf Association Tribute Award to Thomas G. McMahon - Framed

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**THOMAS G. MCMAHON COLLECTION**

Sealed away in storage for over 30 years, the golf collecting world rejoices over Thomas G. McMahon's great grandson's find. Highlighted by previously unknown collectibles from Ben Hogan's Hale America win in 1942(thought by many to be Hogan's first Major win, and a part of a record five U.S. Open wins).Provenance for these items is unimprovable as at Hogan's medal presentation ceremony for winning the 1942 Hale America National Open Golf Tournament, none other then Thomas McMahon is directly on Hogan's left side bestowing the award. McMahon, Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) President, was in this position of honor alongside Ed Dudley, PGA President, and George Blossom, USGA President. It was under McMahon's guidance that the CDGA joined with the U.S.G.A. and the PGA of America to host a wartime substitute event for the 1942 United States Open, this event raised funds for the USO and the Navy Relief Society. Hogan to his dying day would adamantly claim that this was his record fifth U.S. Open Championship. He had a lot of valid points to base this belief on which included 1.) Way the field was assembled with both local qualifying and sectional qualifying as is the case with all other yearly U.S. Opens. 2.) Strength of competition, as he defeated top players of the day which included Harry Cooper, Jimmy Demaret, Ralph Guldahl, Lawson Little, Lloyd Mangrum, "Jug" McSpadden, Byron Nelson, Henry Picard, Paul Runyon, Gene Sarazen and Craig Wood; to give you a feel of the star power assembled. 3.)Lastly the victors award presented by the U.S.G.A. was a medal identical to those which have been awarded each year prior and following the '42 Hale America event to U.S. Open champions. McMahon's leadership in his position as President of the C.D.G.A. was evident that day, and throughout his term which ran from 1942-43. This would not be McMahon's only significant golf related position as he would go on to serve as President of the Southern California Golf Association in the early 1960's. A time which saw him frequently honored by the Los Angeles Open for his work in the California golf scene. For McMahon these acclaimed presidencies may well pale in golf history to his significant work which began in 1922 on golf's handicapping system. Still to this day his work has had a profound effect on the current handicap procedure. Among the ideas which McMahon would advance on handicapping, were "current ability" handicap based upon the best 10 of the last 15 scores. Also his well received work from 1947 known as "Course Rating for Women" and finally a staple of current U.S.G.A. handicap procedure known as stroke-control. McMahon was a golf administrator for over 50 years across the United States. His Hall of Fame worthy legacy was initially stamped at what many perceive as Hogan's first Major win, and sealed for generations to come through his hard fought work in establishing golf's handicap system we know today.

Please note: This auction will end at 7:00pm EST on Sunday, June 18th, with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended