Ben Hogan was one of the finest golfers of our generation, but he
didn't have it easy, overcoming adversity, which made him the man he
was, and the great player he became.
Born in Dublin, Texas on August 13, 1912, Hogan grew up
in tough times, and as the great depression hit in the 1920's Hogans
father hit rock bottom. Unable to support he's family, with mounting
financial pressure and health worries, Hogans father shot himself, Ben
was aged just 9 years old.
Ben Hogan's involvement with golf started as a young boy
making cash from caddying at the local Glen Garden Golf Club.
Ben Hogan started playing in amateur events, and
although success was limited, Hogan was learning he's trade. Hogan
turned professional aged 19.
Success was slow to come for Hogan, having played on the
tour for nine years, he finally broke through by taking the North and
South Open at Pinehurst aged 28.
With these wins came confidence and Ben Hogan went on to
capture the US Tour money list in 1940, 41 and 42. As I've said Hogan
didn't have it easy as just as he was gathering momentum, world war 11
broke out.
Hogan was to spend the next three years in the US Army
Air Corps.
In 1946, Hogan now known as 'The Hawk' resumed he's
career winning he's first Major, The USPGA.
Despite moving up to the highest level of international
golf, the Ben Hogan golf swing had developed a destructive
hook! Hogan worked on he's swing, turning he's natural draw into a
fade. The new Ben Hogan golf swing was now shorter, but far more
consistent. The changes paid of and in 1948 Hogan won The US Open and
The USPGA.
Ben Hogan endured another set back when on February 2nd
1949 he was involved in a horrific car crash, Hogan spent 2 months in
hospital with numerous broken bones, and didn't play for the best part
of a year.
In 1950, still recovering from the accident, Hogan
entered the US Open wondering if he could make it through 36 holes on
the final day. Hogan managed to get through and even managed to force a
play of with George Fazio and Lloyd Mancrum. This meant another 18
holes the following day, but Hogan rallied and shot an amazing 69 to
take the title.
Greatness came in 1953 when having already won The US
Open and The Masters, Hogan new that to become an elite golfer he had
to win the British leg of the Grand Slam. So it was that on a windswept
Carnoustie Hogan played magnificently in tough conditions to win by
four shots.
They didn't fly Lear Jets in those days! so Hogan was
unable to make it back to the States for The USPGA. It didn't matter
though for now aged 40 Hogan had completed the Grand Slam and when he
did finally arrive back in the US was given a hero's welcome.
1953 would be the end to any more Majors for Ben,
and although plagued by the yips for the remainder of he's career,
Hogan had nothing left to prove, he's greatness enshrined.
Achievements:
Masters 1951, 1953, US Open 1948, 1950, 1951,
1953, Open Championship 1953, USPGA 1946, 1948.
Grand Slam 1953 Masters, US Open and The Open
Ryder Cup Record: Member of 2 US teams, (1947, 1951).
Played 3, won 3, Captain in 1947, 1949, 1967.
