Phoenix Country Club celebrates ties to Phoenix Open Tournament
by Sadie Jo Smokey - Feb. 4, 2011 08:19 AMThe Arizona Republic
The pretty lady in cowboy boots and a fringed leather skirt poses, perched in a palm tree. Other cover shots on the Phoenix Open programs have a golfer, a young Native American man in a feathered headdress, a man in a kilt, a psychedelic Phoenix.
Photos of the memorabilia at the Phoenix Country Club
The Phoenix Country Club last week celebrated its ties to the Phoenix Open, now Waste Management Open, with an exhibition of historical photos and memorabilia. The country club, at the northeastern corner of Seventh Street and Thomas Road, hosted the PGA tournament 40 times between 1932 and 1986.
"This is the first time this exhibit has seen the light of day," said PCC member Beth McRae. "I remember coming to the Phoenix Open when I was in college. It was a special, magical feeling. It's a fun part of Phoenix history."
Jack Mishler, of Fountain Hills, said he amassed more than 12,000 golf items from around the world in his collection.
A Valley resident since the 1970s, Mishler said he has Phoenix Open memorabilia found at pawn shops and purchased from other collectors. The exhibition, which is no longer on display, included programs, tickets, pins, a banner, trophy and photos.
Mishler said he has autographs of golf greats Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus. The exhibit included photographs of LPGA founder and Hall of Fame member, Babe Zaharias, who finished 33rd in the 1945 Phoenix Open.
"Anything before 1944 is difficult to find," Mishler said. "I do this for fun."
For information about Mishler's collection, www.bbjmgolf.com.