The Ben Hogan Foundation

09/17/2026

It's ! Every donation and personal fundraiser helps our Foundation support kids who are navigating adversity and experiencing the loss of a parent to su***de - through programs like our Perseverance Award and the Ben Hogan Resilience Program.

And bonus: we have an anonymous donor who has committed to matching the first $10,000 raised!

07/12/2026

July 12, 1948

Ben Hogan Goes to Paris for a Needed Rest

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) — Ben Hogan, trying hard to relax the tension built up during his smashing triumph in the British Open Golf Championship, hurried his plans Saturday for a vacation in Paris.

Hogan, first golfer to hold at one time the U.S. and British Open championships and the Masters title, was “feeling a little better,” said his wife. The attack of influenza which struck him Friday before he won the British title with a 282 score had melted into “just a very bad cold,” Mrs. Hogan said just before they left for Edinburgh to catch the Paris plane.

The quiet Texan, who has shown a warmth of personality to these Scots which seldom was noted during American tournaments, will play one exhibition near Paris for servicemen Wednesday.

He probably won’t play competitively until next spring, possibly at the Masters, Mrs. Hogan said.

The remainder of the time in Paris, Mrs. Hogan said, “We will just sightsee, walk around, enjoy some good food, and let Ben catch up on his rest.”

The Hogans will fly from Paris to New York and arrive July 21. They will return to Fort Worth “sometime after July 22,” Mrs. Hogan said.

The golf master’s superb 68 over Carnoustie’s 7,200 yards on the final round will be remembered and talked about long after his return, however.

The United States Golf Association Museum in New York has asked Hogan for the ball he used on the 18th finishing hole. Hogan said he was “delighted and honored” to give the ball to the USGA.

Record books will carry far more than just the usual line that Ben Hogan won the British Open at Carnoustie in 1953 with ever-descending scores of 73, 71, 70, 68 for his 282.

That 68 is a new competitive course record for the unofficial par 36-36—72 layout. The 282 is the second lowest aggregate for any Open and the aggregate is more impressive actually than Bobby Locke’s 279 at Troon, Scotland, in 1950.

Carnoustie was a longer and tougher course than Troon.

07/11/2026

📰 Published July 11, 1948

Golf - by Ben Hogan

Before play began in the Open Championship at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, critics kept stressing the fact that it was a "hitter's" course. True, the big, well-guarded layout did call for distance from the tee, combined with accuracy. But it also called for steady putting over undulating, changeable greens.
Lack of a confident putting touch may have cost Sam Snead the title. The powerful and likable West Virginian was never better from tee to green. Watching him play was like watching an artist paint a thrilling picture on a vast canvas of green. When he got to the greens, however, it was a different story.

At first Sam's putter behaved beautifully. He led the field at the halfway mark, and it seemed he would be almost impossible to catch. Then his putter went back on him, as it has done in so many important tests.

With confidence on the greens gone, Sam rode a rough golfing sea. His admirers found it heartbreaking to watch such a masterful shotmaker lose his chance for victory within whispering distance of the cup.

Snead's failure should be further warning to beginners that a stroke lost on the fairway may be regained, but a stroke lost on the green is lost forever since par scoring on most courses calls for 36 putts to the round. If lost on the green, the stroke is gone forever. Put that down in your little red book.

In my opinion, Snead's trouble was mental. He stroked the ball well enough, but he seemed to lose confidence, according to those studying his play. With confidence vanishing, it was only natural that he would tighten up. Both deficiencies most surely must have thrown Snead's concentration off balance.

There you had a perfect picture of a putting touch working in reverse. Good putting, besides a smooth, sure stroke, consists of concentration, relaxation and confidence. Thus the mental side of this department of the game becomes equally as important as the physical side.

To become a successful putter, you must adopt a sound approach and routine to that phase of the game. There can be no doubt putting is the most individual department of golf.

Once you master a smooth putting technique, a higher percentage of sinkable putts will start dropping for you regardless of whatever idiosyncrasies you may have as a putter.

04/18/2025

03/13/2025

🏆 An Unlikely Duo, A Historic Win 🏆

In 1947, Ben Hogan and polo star Mike Phipps teamed up to defeat the Duke of Windsor. A testament that success isn’t about big names—it’s about the right team.

At the Ben Hogan Foundation, we believe in the power of partnerships, large and small. Together, we’re creating lasting impact.

🔹 Who’s been an unexpected but game-changing partner in your journey?

01/06/2025

February 2, 1949: 75 years ago Ben Hogan suffered a near-fatal car accident in Van Horn, Texas. His car collided head-on with a Greyhound bus. Despite severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, collarbone, and ankle, as well as blood clots, Hogan displayed incredible determination to recover after being told he may never walk again, let alone golf professionally!

01/03/2025

Clara Saphronia Williams Hogan, born on March 14, 1890, in Comanche, Texas, was the mother of legendary golfer Ben Hogan. She married Chester Hogan, a blacksmith, and together they had three children: Chester Princess, Royal Dean, and William Ben. Tragically, in 1922, Chester Hogan died by su***de, leaving Clara to raise their children alone.

Following her husband's death, Clara moved the family to Fort Worth, Texas. To support her family, she worked as a seamstress, demonstrating resilience and determination during challenging times. Her youngest son, Ben, began caddying at Glen Garden Country Club to contribute financially, marking the beginning of his illustrious golf career.

Clara lived a long life, passing away 42 years ago today on January 3, 1983, at the age of 92 in Fort Worth. She is interred at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.

01/01/2025

🛩️🇺🇸 Honoring Ben Hogan's Service 🇺🇸🛩️

80 years ago today on January 1, 1945, Ben Hogan stepped away from the professional golf circuit to serve his country during World War II. He joined the United States Army Air Forces as a utility pilot, flying critical missions to transport personnel and supplies.

This chapter of Mr. Hogan’s life is a reminder of his incredible dedication—not just to the game of golf but also to his nation. His time in the military delayed his rise to golf greatness, but it also showcased the same qualities that made him a legend: commitment, precision, and resilience.

After his service, he returned to the sport and forged one of the most inspiring careers in history. Today, we honor his patriotism and the sacrifices he made for a greater cause.

💬 Share your thoughts: What inspires you most about Mr. Hogan’s legacy?

12/28/2024

Mr. Hogan is most known for the incredible wins in his life. But many aren't aware that as a child Ben Hogan tragically lost a parent when his father died by his own hand. It's the kind of childhood trauma that can leave deep scars and lasting effects in a person's life. It's because of this that we've recently launched our Resilience Project, supporting kids who have lost a parent in the same way.

Of children who experience the death of a parent who has passed by personal choice, what do you think is the estimated percentage of them that develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress?

A) 20%
B) 40%
C) 60%
D) 80%

Comment which answer you think is correct or share your own thoughts on this difficult life circumstance in a child's life. We'll post the correct answer and the source for this data in the coming days.

12/27/2024

🌟💛 Introducing the Ben Hogan Resilience Program 💛🌟

Every child deserves hope, healing, and the opportunity to thrive after experiencing unimaginable loss. That’s why we’re proud to launch the Ben Hogan Resilience Program, a comprehensive initiative offering mental health support, academic resources, and job training for children affected by a parent’s mental health struggles.

The Ben Hogan Foundation is honored to present the Resilience Program, a dedicated support initiative for individuals who have experienced the loss of a pare...