By Dr. Tony Parker, Historian
As we approach Veterans Day, we look back 75 years to the 1942 PGA Championship. The United States had entered World War II in December 1941 and life in the country changed as the young men and women immediately responded to the call of duty. Many of the leading golfers joined the armed forces to do their part in the war effort and this was their last opportunity for a major title before being deployed. After The Masters in 1942, the PGA Championship would be the last major until 1944.
The event was held at Seaview Country Club in Galloway Township, New Jersey, with Sam Snead defeating Jim Turnesa in the final round of match play 2&1. It was the first of Snead’s seven major titles. The Navy allowed him to delay reporting for duty in order to play the tournament.
Snead had defeated Ed Dudley 1-up in the quarter-finals and Jimmy Demaret in the semi-finals 3&2 to get to the final, while Turnesa took on Byron Nelson in the semi-finals after overcoming Ben Hogan 2&1 in the quarter-finals. Turnesa beat Nelson on the 37th hole to make the final.
Meeting Snead for the final 36 holes in match play, Turnesa looked the favorite taking a 3-up lead after 18 holes. However, the afternoon round was much tighter as Snead closed the gap and on the second to last hole he chipped in from 50 feet to keep the lead and claim his first Major Championship title.
Several World Golf Hall of Famers and players in that championship served during WWII including Ben Hogan (Army Air Corp), Jim Turnesa (Army), Lloyd Mangrum (Army), Jimmy Demaret (Navy) and Sam Snead (Navy).
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum salutes the men and women who have served their country in the armed forces.
