April 2, 1958: Dedication Ceremony for The Ben Hogan Bridge
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On April 2, 1958 the Augusta National Golf Club hosted the dedication ceremony for the Ben Hogan Bridge that carries the players over Rae’s Creek on the twelfth hole.
On April 2, 1958 the Augusta National Golf Club Hosted the Dedication Ceremony for The Ben Hogan Bridge
The bridge commemorates Hogan’s 1953 tournament score of 274, the record low score at the time. The bridge is constructed of well-designed stone arches and at that time covered with natural grass, today it is covered with artificial turf.
The Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club co-founder Bob Jones said when Ben Hogan Bridge and the nearby Nelson Bridge were dedicated:
“We’ve tried to dedicate these bridges to two men who have meant as much to this tournament as any two men ever have.”
– Bob Jones (Masters and Augusta National Golf Club co-founder)
The Plaque at The Entrance of The Bridge Reads
“This bridge dedicated April 2, 1958, to commemorate Ben Hogan’s record score for four rounds of 274 in 1953. Made up of rounds of 70, 69, 66 and 69. This score will always stand as one of the very finest accomplishments in competitive golf and may even stand for all time as the record for The Masters tournament”
Other dedications located throughout Augusta National Golf Course include:
- Dedications to Clifford Roberts and Bob Jones are located in the Founders Circle
- The Byron Nelson Bridge at No. 13 Tee
- The Gene Sarazen Bridge at No. 15 Green
- Arnold Palmer Plaque
- Jack Nicklaus Plaque
- Ike’s Pond
- Record Fountain
- Par 3 Fountain
Schooie, a member of Augusta National and a future Vice President of the club was a close friend of the club’s chairman and co-founder, Clifford Roberts.
He was a very high handicapper who had a hard time clearing a small creek that ran across the first fairway, less than 100 yards from the tee. He hit into the creek so often it became known as Schooie’s Gulch.
One day after topping yet another drive into the creek, Schooie said to Roberts, “I wish you’d fill in that damn ditch.” Roberts did fill in the ditch, during the summer of 1951—and sent the bill to Schooie.
He was such a poor golfer that when he one day made a natural birdie, Roberts decreed that he should be paid the same cash pot that was ordinarily given to golfers who made a hole-in-one as there was little chance that he would ever come any closer.
Another day he was playing so terribly that he declared to his caddie that he must be the worst golfer in the club.
The caddie who was recently hired and did not know the names of the members answered, “No, sir. The worst golfer in this club is Mr. Schoo.”
