Gear of the Greats

We're sure to see plenty of memorable shots hit at Merion this month, but will any go down in golfing lore? Charlie Schroeder highlights some of the most famous moments in US Open history – and reveals the clubs that were used to make them happen

Ben Hogan

Ben Hogan "Personal Model" 1-Iron

1950

Needing a par to get into a play-off with Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio, Ben Hogan, 16 months removed from a near fatal car crash, found himself exhausted and 200 yards from the 18th green. He pulled his "Personal Model" Ben Hogan 1-iron and hit his shot to the centre of the green and two-putted for par. The photo of Hogan in his follow through, captured by Hy Peskin, is one of the game's most iconic images.

It was a remarkable turnaround for a man who’d broken his collarbone and ankle and suffered a double fracture of his pelvis. (During the tournament Hogan’s legs were bandaged from his waist to his ankles). Remarkably, the Hawk's 1-iron was stolen from his locker that night and didn’t reappear until 1982 when it was discovered in a Virginia collectors' shop. Nevertheless, Hogan went on to defeat Mangrum and Fazio the following day to claim his second US Open title.

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Written by Charlie Schroeder

Photography by Getty Images

Click here to see the published article.

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