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Ben Hogan's 1-iron shot at the 1950 U.S. Open is one of the most legendary shots in the history of golf. It is often referred to as the "Miracle at Merion" and is celebrated for its precision and its crucial role in Hogan's victory.

The Setting: The 1950 U.S. Open was held at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The final round took place on June 11, 1950, and the weather conditions were challenging, with strong winds and rain.

The Situation: Ben Hogan entered the final round trailing the leader, Lloyd Mangrum, by several strokes. On the 18th hole, a formidable par-4, Hogan needed a par to tie Mangrum and force an 18-hole playoff.

The Shot: Hogan's drive off the 18th tee was solid, but he still faced a challenging approach shot. He had approximately 220 yards to the hole, and he decided to use his 1-iron—a notoriously difficult club to hit due to its low loft.

With precision and nerves of steel, Hogan struck the ball cleanly. The shot soared through the air and landed on the green, just 40 feet from the hole. It was a remarkable display of skill and composure under pressure, given the adverse weather conditions and the significance of the moment.

Ben Hogan was a renowned professional golfer who achieved remarkable success in his career. Here are some key highlights about Ben Hogan:

1. Early Life and Golf Beginnings:

   • Ben Hogan was born on August 13, 1912, in Stephenville, Texas, USA. He grew up in a modest family and began playing golf at a young age. He worked as a caddy and practiced relentlessly to refine his skills.

2. Professional Career:

   • Hogan turned professional in 1930 and faced early struggles in his career. However, his breakthrough came in the 1940s and 1950s when he established himself as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

3. Major Championships:

   • Hogan won a total of nine major championships in his career. These include four U.S. Open titles (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953), two Masters Tournament victories (1951, 1953), two PGA Championships (1946, 1948), and one Open Championship (1953).

4. Swing Technique: