The Open Question: Ben Hogan and Golf's Most Enduring Controversy

by Peter May

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.

Audible Audio

Published August 10, 2021

About the author

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Reviews

[Eric Brauneis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/4.0

This book was practically written for me - Ben Hogan, WWII, Chicago - as if AI compiled all of my nonfiction interests and rolled it into one.

The actual question at the center of this book, does Hogan’s 1942 Hale American Open victory count as a U.S. Open, can be dispatched of pretty quickly. Spoiler alert, the answer is no. I’ve read enough Hogan books (and Dan Jenkins books) that I was interested in the argument, even still.

Moreso, this book functions as a pretty good overview and introduction to the key players in mid-century American golf, and particularly those who served in various capacities in the war. It’s very well researched and has the type of anecdotes I look for in golf books.

[Nancee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t know a thing about golf but enjoyed learning about what of the great players (or the best). Well written biography. I love how he wove WW2 into the narrative. Well done!

I received an email from Audible about the book so i added to my library and quickly finished it.

[Lars · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The book goes into detail of the setup, has endless (and boring) game descriptions and is not worth the time. The topic of the book is covered in maybe 10 pages, the rest is blabla around it. Not worth the time in my opinion.

[Michael Stetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stories. Liked how WWII was intertwined in the book. USGA got to USGA.

[Paul McCormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, tedious enough in substantial parts