In 1946, golf legend Ben Hogan secured his first of nine major titles by winning the 28th PGA Championship. Held from August 19 to 25 at the Portland Golf Club in Oregon, this victory marked a significant milestone in Hogan's illustrious career. His triumph came after a challenging final match against Ed Oliver, where Hogan ultimately prevailed with a decisive 6 and 4 win. This championship was particularly notable as it was the first "full field"
PGA Championship since 1941, following reductions in field size due to World War II.
Hogan's Path to Victory
Hogan's journey to the championship title was not without its dramatic moments. In the final match against Ed Oliver, Hogan found himself three holes down after the morning's first 18 holes. This deficit set the stage for a remarkable comeback in the afternoon session, where he rallied to secure his victory. His performance in the semifinals was equally dominant, as he defeated Jimmy Demaret with a commanding 10 and 9 score, showcasing the form that would lead him to his first major win.
The tournament format itself was a rigorous test of endurance and skill, featuring a 36-hole stroke play qualifier over two days, followed by a demanding match play schedule. The match play rounds included 18-hole matches for the first two rounds, 36-hole matches for the third round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. This grueling schedule, especially the 36-hole matches in the summer heat, was a testament to the physical and mental fortitude required to win the PGA Championship.
The Significance of the Win
For Ben Hogan, who was 34 years old at the time, this 1946 PGA Championship victory was the inaugural major title of his career. It set the precedent for the eight additional major championships he would go on to win. The winner's share for Hogan was $3,500, a substantial prize for the era, while runner-up Ed Oliver received $1,500. This win also contributed to a unique historical moment in golf, as it marked the first time that all four major championships in a calendar year were won by American players.
Interestingly, Hogan's relationship with the PGA Championship format would evolve. After winning again in 1948, a near-fatal automobile accident in early 1949 left him with a debilitated condition. This made the demanding five-day schedule of 36 holes per day in summer heat particularly challenging for him. Consequently, Hogan did not enter the PGA Championship again until 1960, by which time it had transitioned to a 72-hole stroke play event, a format more amenable to his physical condition. His 1946 triumph, however, remains a foundational moment in his legendary career, showcasing his resilience and skill on the course.
The Tournament Setting and Context
The Portland Golf Club, located outside Portland, Oregon, served as the host venue for the 1946 PGA Championship. This club had a history of hosting significant golf events, having previously hosted the Portland Open on the PGA Tour in 1944 and 1945, with Sam Snead winning in 1944 and Hogan himself winning in 1945. The club would also go on to host the Ryder Cup in 1947, where the U.S. team was captained by Hogan. The return to a "full field" of 64 competitors in the match play bracket for the 1946 championship signaled a return to normalcy for professional golf after the disruptions of World War II, during which the field had been reduced to 32 players for several years and the event was not played in 1943.
