Bing Crosby Pebble Beach Programs—Complete Run 1947-1984. Eight Programs Are Signed By The Winners: Byron Nelson, Billy Casper (2), Jack Nicklaus (2), Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, & Don Massengale & More!

First, just a bit of history.  In 1939 Bing Crosby began hosting the "National Pro-amateur Golf Championship which was played in San Diego County. In 1947, Crosby decided to sponsor the event and moved it up to Monterey. The event was then held over multiple courses, including Pebble Beach, every year.  In 1985 the Crosby family ended their long running affiliation with that event.. 

it was in 1947 when the Crosby National Pro Am issued its first program.  As they developed through the years, the Crosby Pro-Am Covers proved to be works of art in their own right.  in 2009 Insight Editions published a book that celebrated all the cover art by reproducing the front cover of every program from 1947 to 2010.  Clint Eastwood wrote the forward. The book was more of a limited run made for fans of the event, and was not sold retail far and wide.

The collection offered here includes every program printed between 1947, the first year a Crosby program was printed, and 1985, when the event received a new sponsor. The programs are in excellent condition.  Only the 1947 program is a little "warped," likely the result of a minor moisture encounter. The program opens fine, with none of the pages sticking together and minimal discoloration.

Also included in this lot, in addition to all the programs, are autographs by Nelson, Nicklaus, Weiskopf and others.  Plus tickets and other paper that connects directly to the Crosby.  These "extra features" are listed below:

1947 Pairings and starting time sheet with the players and respective courses.

1949 Pairings and starting time sheet for the final round.

1951 Program autographed by the winner Byron Nelson, includes JSA authentication letter.

1955 Pairings and starting time sheet, plus an event ticket.

1958 Program autographed by the winner Billy Casper. Includes JSA authentication letter.

1960 Pairings and starting time sheet, Photo of 4 partipants, and two event information cards.

1961 Event notices, article about the event, and a photograph.

1963 Program autographed by winner Billy Casper plus JSA authentication letter.

1965 Pairings and starting time sheet, and event ticket.

1966 Program autographed by the winner Don Massengale

1966 Pairings and starting time sheet.

1967 Pairings and starting time sheet.

1967 Program autographed by winner Jack Nicklaus, plus JSA authentication letter

1969 Del Monte Properties flier.

1972 Program autographed by the winner Jack Nicklaus

1974 Program autographed by the Winner Johnny Miller as well as by Ken Venturi, Gay Brewer, Gene Littler, Phil Rogers, Bob Rosberg, Tom Weiskopf.

1976 Tournament wine list

1977 Program is autographed by the winner Tom Watson. With JSA letter of authenticity  

1978 Souvenir magazine.

Of course the book that highlights all these catalogs is also included with this lot. 

Overall, this is an incredible opportunity. While it isn't a complete run of Masters programs for a zillion dollars, it is a chance to get ahead of the curve with an eye to the future. Plus its just great history of one of the most recognized golf events known the world over. 

Note: If interested in this lot, check out the Crosby memorabilia in lot 49.