By: Dave Cordero, Director of Communications

This week marks the playing of the 69th annual Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas. While all eyes will be focused intently on 21-year-old Masters Champion and hometown kid Jordan Spieth, it’s worth recalling the “Hall of Fame” legacy that has been cemented into one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA TOUR.

Unequivocally, the biggest impact made on the tournament began nearly 70 years ago when another Texas-native captured the first win in the tournament’s history. That man was Ben Hogan, and the follow-through of his picturesque golf swing lives on in the form of a bronze statue outside the clubhouse. To this day, the long-time Fort Worth resident is the only player to have won the event a whopping five times.

But it’s not just Hogan who has left his legendary fingerprints on this course. There have been 15 other World Golf Hall of Fame members who have stood in the winner’s circle. In fact, in the history of the Colonial, 24 of the 68 wins have come from World Golf Hall of Fame members.

Most recently, Phil Mickelson won the event in 2008 and in 2000. Six other WGHOF members have won twice at Colonial and they include: Nick Price (2002, 1994), Ben Crenshaw (1990, 1977), Lee Trevino (1978, 1976), Billy Casper (1968, 1964) and Julius Boros (1963, 1960).

Hard to imagine a tournament that has been graced by the star power of Arnold Palmer (1962 winner) and Jack Nicklaus (1982 winner) was conquered FIVE times by Mr. Hogan.

While not a win, perhaps one of the more historic moments came when 2003 Hall of Fame inductee Annika Sorenstam teed it up with the men that same year. World Golf Hall of Fame member and current Golf Digest writer Dan Jenkins said Annika’s opening tee shot may have had more pressure on it than any other in golf history. While she posted respectable scores of 71 and 74, Annika failed to make the cut. What she did however, was showcase her incredible talent and earn respect for the ladies’ game of golf.

So while Spieth and other young guns will likely dominate the headlines next week, don’t lose sight of the legends who once walked the very same grounds at Colonial Country Club and helped pave the way for today’s game. Here’s guessing “The Hawk” will be watching.