Houston Golf Association Historical Moments
Compiled by Burt Darden
[ Intro ][ 1940-1949 ][ 1950-1959 ][ 1960-1969 ][ 1970-1979 ][ 1980-1989 ][ 1990-1999 ][ 2000-2009 ] [ 2010-present ]
1940's Time Line
| 1946 | |
| February 18 | Less than three months prior to its inaugural event, Houston Golf Association was formed at a meeting held at the Downtown Elks Club. The week of May 9-12 the Tournament of Champions teed it up at River Oaks Country Club. Byron Nelson, who had won 11 straight tournaments the year before, beat Ben Hogan by two shots for the $2,000 first prize. Sam Snead finished third but was reportedly "very distracted" by the sun suit-clad models carrying signs that identified the players. It was the only time in their storied careers that this trio of Hall of Famers finished 1-2-3. |
| 1947 | |
| May 11 | PGA TOUR golf debuted at Memorial Park Municipal largely because the city offered the course to the Houston Golf Association without a rental charge. South African Bobby Locke became the Houston Open's first international champion. Locke, known for his deft putting touch, won by five shots with an 11-under-par 277 total. |
| 1948 | |
| Since both the 1946 and 1947 tournaments had lost money, the Houston Golf Association leaders were fast realizing that red numerals looked good on a leaderboard and terrible in a ledger. The group opted to take a year off to pay off the debt and consider the best way avoid red ink. Pine Forest Country Club actually paid a fee to host the next event, figuring to more than make up the cash outlay on concession sales. | |
| 1949 | |
| February 20 | To take advantage of the traditionally strong field that played in San Antonio at the Texas Open, the Houston Open was scheduled Feb. 17-20 at Pine Forest CC. Johnny Palmer won the event at 16-under-par 272 but was fortunate not to have to battle Dr. Cary Middlecoff in a playoff. Middlecoff finished a shot back but had called a one-shot penalty on himself during the second round when his ball moved while he was addressing it. |
[ Intro ][ 1940-1949 ][ 1950-1959 ][ 1960-1969 ][ 197-1979 ][ 1980-1989 ][ 1990-1999 ][ 2000-2009 ] [ 2010-present ]
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The Houston Golf Association · 281.454.7000 · Email: hgahgaoffice@hga.org
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