The Open Question

Ben Hogan and Golf's Most Enduring Controversy

De: Peter May

Narrado por: Adam Barr

In 1942, the United States Golf Association (USGA) cancelled its four golf tournaments for the duration of World War II. But then it did something different in only that year - it sponsored the Hale-America National Open on the same weekend as the cancelled US Open. The great Ben Hogan won that tournament and went to his grave believing he had therefore won a record five US Open titles.

In The Open Question, Peter May turns his attention to this controversial, colorful Hale-America National Open of 1942. While providing an in-depth look at the tournament itself, May champions Hogan's claim to five US Open titles and debunks some questionable assertions that the tournament was not worthy of a US Open. Set against the backdrop of World War II, May also tells the stories of other professional golfers in the tournament and the impact of the war on all their lives.

The USGA has never recognized the Hale-America Tournament as an official US Open and remains firm in its stance. It was a decision that bothered Ben Hogan for the rest of his life. The Open Question shows how dominant Ben Hogan was against some of the biggest names in golf, and reveals why he deserves to be recognized as a five-time US Open winner.

©2021 Peter May (P)2021 Tantor

History of the Hogan era Golfers, besides the ‘42 US Open

A very good telling of the ‘42 US Open, but more importantly a great context and historical overview of Hogan and his contemporaries. Of particular note, Demaret and Mangrum, who both could be fantastic candidates for their own Audible books.