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The forgotten Open
NORTHWOOD, 50 YEARS LATER
Few golf courses hold the distinction of hosting a U.S. Open without ever having another USGA event before or after its Open debut. In fact, since World War II only one course fits that description: the Northwood Club in Dallas, Texas. That could be one reason why the 1952 Open is often forgotten or overlooked. Had Ben Hogan—and not Julius Boros—won that year, perhaps the championship would command more reverence. Hogan was from the area and a victory would have given him a third consecutive Open title. As the 50th anniversary of that event comes and goes this month, only a select few are likely to stop and reflect. It’s worth noting, though. The William H. Diddel - designed course was only four years old when it hosted the championship, a rarity by today’s Open standards. Usually, a course must establish itself before the USGA awards its most distinguished championship to a site. Northwood guaranteed the USGA $25,000 plus a favorable 60-40 split of the gate receipts.
“I would say it’s a real point of pride that we would able to host the [1952] U.S. Open here,” says longtime member Bruss Bfllingsley, who served as a press tent runner in 1952. “It’s one of the defining moments of the club. If you go down the list of clubs that have hosted the Open, there aren’t many different names there and they’re some pretty impressive clubs.”
Following the ‘52 Open, Northwood never made a conscientious effort to land another USGA championship. To honor the Open’s 50th anniversary, the club ordered a replica trophy and wrote a book detailing the club’s history. “It was a great event,” says Billingsley, “but it’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years.” — Art Stricklin
