OT - Some San Francisco Golf History

[David_Tepper]

I am currently reading American Triumvirate, James Dodson's book about Nelson, Hogan & Snead. There is often mention of the San Francisco Matchplay/Open tournament played here from 1930 into the 1940's. Despite living here for over 50 years, I heard or knew very little about the event until I found this today.     


https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2021/08/08/the-san-francisco-open-a-closer-look/

[DFarron]

Thanks for the link, that was an interesting article. There are not many areas in our country that are “golf rich” than San Francisco !

[David_Tepper]

There was also the Lucky International, played at Harding Park and a regular stop on the PGA Tour in the 1960's. The tournament was won by the likes of Gary Player, Gene Littler and Ken Venturi.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_International_Open

And the 1956 Western Open was played at the Presidio. Mike Fetchik won the event in a 4-way playoff over Don January, Doug Ford and Jay Herbert.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Open
 

[Phil Young]

David, Jimmy Demaret defeated Sam Snead 4and3 in the 1938 San Francisco OPen Match Play tournament that was played at San Francisco Golf Club that February.

[David_Tepper]

Phil -

Demaret also won the Matchplay in 1940 when it was played at Lake Merced. 

From 1930 to 1946, the Matchplay/Open was played at Olympic, Lake Merced, SFGC, the Presidio and HardingPark.

A full list is attached below.

DT

file:///C:/Users/DT/Downloads/SF%20Open%20Winners%20-%20chart-1.pdf