U.S. Amateur Trophy Part Of Stolen Memorabilia
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The USGA issued a statement after the Golf House museum burglary:
The artifacts include the U.S. Amateur Trophy, which was created in 1926 and retired in 1992, and a replica of Ben Hogan’s 1953 Hickok Belt award, which the USGA acquired from the Hogan estate in 1998 and has displayed in the Museum since 1999.
“This is a deplorable incident, but we are thankful for the safety of our staff. These historical artifacts are an important part of our collection and their loss is a great disappointment. We are working closely with the Bernards Township Police Department to aid in their recovery.”
**From the USGA Museum page:
Established in 1895, the U.S. Amateur is the oldest of the USGA’s 13 national championships. The trophy was initially presented to the USGA on March 28, 1895, in honor of the Association’s first President, Theodore A. Havemeyer.
The original Havemeyer Trophy, an ornate silver cup, was first presented to Charles Blair Macdonald at Newport Golf Club following his victory in the inaugural championship on October 3, 1895. The trophy was later lost in a devastating fire at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, on November 22, 1925.
The USGA chose to design a new trophy rather than replicate the original form. The 18-karat gold, 16th-century-style steeple cup was formally presented in 1926 by USGA Treasurer Edward S. Moore. A copy produced in 1992 is passed from champion to champion.
