Preliminary identification

Signed 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial Champions Dinner Program

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an official program from the 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial Champions Dinner, held on May 17, 1989, at the historic Colonial Country Club. The cover features the signatures of golf legend Ben Hogan, his wife Valerie (Mrs. Ben Hogan), and 1973 Colonial champion Lanny Wadkins.

Story

On May 17, 1989, golf's greatest legends gathered at Fort Worth's Colonial Country Club. This program, signed by the notoriously private Ben Hogan, his wife Valerie, and Lanny Wadkins, captures a rare moment of intimate golf history.

Maker / Origin

The Colonial Country Club, established in 1936 by Marvin Leonard, is world-renowned for its deep ties to Ben Hogan, who won the tournament five times. The annual Champions Dinner is one of the most exclusive social events in professional golf, celebrating the tournament's rich heritage.

Condition & Value

The program appears to be in very good vintage condition with minor edge wear and light handling creases consistent with age. The signatures are crisp, clear, and unfaded. Professional authentication is highly recommended to maximize and secure its market value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.