TheHale America National Open Golf Tournament was a professionalgolf tournament on thePGA Tour that played for a single year, 1942.
After theattack on Pearl Harbor and America's entry intoWorld War II, theUnited States Golf Association's Executive Committee decided that it would be improper to play the 1942U.S. Open.[1] Additionally, the original site chosen for the event,Interlachen Country Club inEdina, Minnesota, opted not to serve as the host course.[2] The USGA together with thePGA of America and the Chicago District Golf Association sponsored the Hale America Open in response to calls for a series of local tournaments to be played.[1] It was intended to be a war-time substitute for the U.S. Open.[3]
The event was held atRidgemoor Country Club inNorwood Park Township, Cook County, Illinois from June 18–21, 1942. The proceeds raised by the event benefitted theNavy Relief Society and theUSO.[1][3]
The tournament was won byBen Hogan with a total score of 17-under-par 271, with rounds of 72-62-69-68. The runners-up,Jimmy Demaret andMike Turnesa, were three strokes behind.[1] Hogan received a gold medal and $1,200 inWar Bonds for his win.[3]
Supporters of Ben Hogan and some golf historians maintain that this tournament should count as one of Hogan'smajor championships, since it was run just like the U.S. Open with more than 1,500 entries, local qualifying at 69 sites and sectional qualifying at most major cities. Additionally, all of the big names in golf who were not fighting the war were in the field.[2][3]
| Year | Player | Country | Score | To par | Margin of victory | Runners-up | Winner's share ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Ben Hogan |  United States | 271 | −17 | 3 strokes |  Jimmy DemaretMike Turnesa | 1,200 |