1931 U.S. Open Contestant Badge Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio

Depression era contestants badge from the 1931 U.S. Open. This badge from an unknown player displays heavy wear around the scalloped edge of the badge. The green/gold enamel which encircles, the prominent USGA lettering, has suffered some discoloration over the years but can still be clearly read as "National Open July 2 To 4, 1931". The badge was manufactured by the Whitehead & Hoag Co. Newark, NJ and this is clearly stamped on the reverse of the badge which still carries the original issued clasp. In 1931, Billy Burke survived two 36-hole playoffs to claim the hard fought National Championship by one stroke.