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PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE Thursday, July 23, 1998 Hogan items leaving Colonial for national golf museum FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Legendary golfer Ben Hogan helped put the Colonial Country Club on the map. But now, most of his trophies and memorabilia are leaving the Fort Worth club for the East Coast. Hogan's widow, Valerie Hogan, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Golf Association to showcase many of the golf great's collectibles at the USGA Museum and Library in Far Hills, N.J., the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in Wednesday's editions. People familiar with the negotiations confirmed the agreement for the newspaper, but said no binding contract had been signed. USGA curator Andy Mutch said he expected a formal announcement later this week at the U.S. Senior Open in Pacific Palisades, Calif. He said a Hogan display will occupy a 1,000-square-foot room at the museum, known as the Golf House. Colonial president Clark Martin said Hogan told club leaders he wanted "the whole world" to be able to see his collectibles. "He was an international figure. I guess his stuff should be put where the most people will enjoy it," Martin said. Mrs. Hogan, widow of the nine-time major champion who died in July 1997, was unavailable for comment because she is at the Senior Open. Hogan is being honored there on the 50th anniversary of his 1948 U.S. Open victory. Marty Leonard, daughter of Colonial founder Marvin Leonard, said many people at the club are disappointed the items are leaving but added that there are no hard feelings. Among the mementos being moved are Hogan's four U.S. Open medals. "This is their business and their decision," Ms. Leonard said. She was one of the first people Mrs. Hogan told about sending the collection to the museum in New Jersey. "Selfishly, I'd love to have them stay here for a lot of reasons. For Colonial. For Fort Worth. But we need to respect their private wishes," Ms. Leonard said. Colonial members said Mrs. Hogan wanted to move the memorabilia to a spot that's more accessible to golf lovers and has better security. During the time Hogan's artifacts have been on display at Colonial, the club has been burglarized twice. Apparently the second burglary - when Hogan's 1953 Hickock Belt was taken and destroyed - was a major factor in moving the Hogan collection. The jewel-encrusted, 18-karat gold buckle and alligator belt - which he received for being chosen outstanding professional athlete of the year - was worth an estimated $650,000. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1998, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:

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