How did Walter Hagen’s golf hat become his signature look. What made the fedora so special for the golf champion. Why was Hagen’s hat more than just a fashion statement. How did the golfer’s iconic headwear influence the sport.

The Origins of Walter Hagen’s Iconic Fedora

Walter Hagen, the first American-born golfer to win the British Open, left an indelible mark on the sport not just through his exceptional play, but also through his iconic fashion choice – the fedora. This stylish hat became synonymous with Hagen’s persona both on and off the golf course during the 1920s.

The fedora’s rise to prominence in Hagen’s wardrobe can be traced back to the early 20th century when it emerged as a popular men’s hat style in America. Hagen, known for his impeccable sense of style, recognized the versatility and sophistication of the classic fedora and incorporated it into his personal attire.

Why did Walter Hagen choose the fedora?

• Practical benefits: The wide brim provided shade from the sun and kept perspiration at bay
• Lightweight material: Ensured comfort during hot and humid conditions on the course
• Style factor: Complemented Hagen’s reputation as one of the most stylish figures in golf
• Dramatic flair: Wearing it snapped down over his eyes added to his showmanship

Interestingly, Hagen’s choice of headwear was partly influenced by practicality. In a 1933 interview with the Milwaukee Sentinel, he revealed, “I wear a 71⁄4 hat and I have trouble getting golf caps to fit.” The fedora proved to be the perfect solution, combining style with comfort.

The Fedora’s Role in Hagen’s Success and Superstitions

As Hagen’s career soared and he accumulated major championships, the fedora became an integral part of his identity on the golf course. It wasn’t just a fashion statement; the hat took on an almost supernatural aura, becoming entwined with Hagen’s success and superstitions.

How did the fedora become part of Hagen’s superstitions?

1. Winning streaks: Hagen would refuse to replace an old, tattered fedora if he was on a winning streak
2. Precise positioning: He insisted on placing the hat at a specific angle before executing shots
3. Lucky charm: The fedora became associated with Hagen’s victories, adding to its mystique

The hat’s significance extended beyond the golf course. As one of America’s first celebrity athletes, Hagen’s fedora served as a memorable visual trademark in high society circles. Arriving at parties and public events with a fresh fedora signaled Hagen’s status and swagger, cementing his reputation as a stylish and charismatic figure.

The Fedora as a Symbol of Hagen’s Persona

During Hagen’s epic rivalry with Bobby Jones in the 1920s, the fedora came to represent the stark contrast between their personalities and approaches to the game. While the more straight-laced Jones opted for a traditional golf cap, Hagen’s flashier fedora perfectly encapsulated his flamboyant and unconventional style.

This difference in headwear choices reflected larger disparities in their temperaments and playing philosophies. Hagen’s fedora became a symbol of his larger-than-life persona, setting him apart from his contemporaries and adding to his allure as a golf icon.

The Legacy of Hagen’s Fedora in Golf Fashion

Walter Hagen’s influence on golf fashion extended well beyond his playing days. His signature fedora inspired generations of golfers who paid homage to his style by adopting similar headwear.

Which famous golfers were influenced by Hagen’s fedora?

• Arnold Palmer
• Gary Player
• Payne Stewart

These legendary players occasionally donned fedoras on the course as a tribute to Hagen’s iconic look. Stewart’s fedora even sparked controversy at the 1987 U.S. Open when a USGA official demanded he remove it, demonstrating that decades later, the fedora still carried Hagen’s defiant, nonconformist spirit.

Beyond professional golfers, countless amateurs have embraced the fedora as a symbol of their appreciation for golf’s rich early 20th century history. For traditionalists, pairing a vintage golf fedora with a knit vest or cardigan evokes the sport’s early Golden Age, keeping Hagen’s stylish legacy alive.

Collecting Walter Hagen Memorabilia: The Value of Vintage Fedoras

As one of golf’s first true icons, Walter Hagen generated considerable demand for merchandise bearing his name and likeness during the height of his playing days in the 1920s. Today, well-preserved vintage Hagen fedoras are highly sought after by collectors, easily fetching over $1,000 at auction.

What makes Walter Hagen’s fedoras valuable to collectors?

• Historical significance: Connection to one of golf’s greatest players
• Rarity: Limited number of authentic Hagen-worn hats available
• Condition: Well-preserved fedoras command higher prices
• Provenance: Hats with documented history of ownership are particularly valuable

These historic hats remain hot commodities among golf memorabilia enthusiasts, serving as tangible links to Hagen’s era and the sport’s stylish past.

The Enduring Image of Hagen and His Fedora

Although Walter Hagen passed away in 1969, the iconic image of him studying the slope of a green with his fedora stylishly adorned endures through old photographs and newsreels. This enduring visual representation of Hagen perfectly encapsulates his showstopping playing style and enormous championship pedigree.

The fedora has become inextricably linked with Hagen’s legacy, serving as a symbol of his contributions to golf both as a player and as a style icon. It represents not just his on-course achievements, but also his larger-than-life personality and the way he helped transform golf into a glamorous, high-profile sport.

The Impact of Hagen’s Fedora on Golf Culture

Walter Hagen’s fedora left an indelible mark on golf culture, influencing fashion, player personas, and even the sport’s etiquette. Its impact can still be felt in various aspects of the game today.

How did Hagen’s fedora influence golf culture?

• Elevated the importance of personal style in golf
• Inspired other players to develop their own signature looks
• Contributed to the sport’s image as a stylish and sophisticated pursuit
• Sparked debates about appropriate golf attire and individuality

The fedora’s association with Hagen helped bridge the gap between golf and popular culture, making the sport more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. It demonstrated that golfers could be both exceptional athletes and style icons, paving the way for future generations of charismatic players who would captivate fans both on and off the course.

Today, while the fedora may not be as prevalent on professional tours, its spirit lives on in the carefully curated looks of modern golf stars. The attention to detail and personal flair that Hagen brought to the game with his signature hat continues to inspire players and fans alike, reminding us that in golf, style and substance can go hand in hand.

Walter Hagen’s Iconic Golf Hat: How it Became His Signature Look

Walter Hagen didn’t just make history as the first American-born golfer to win the British Open – he also pioneered an iconic fashion accessory that came to define his signature look both on and off the course. Hagen’s stylish fedora hat was an integral part of his persona during his heyday in the 1920s.

The origins of Hagen’s trademark hat can be traced back to the early 20th century when the soft felt fedora emerged as a popular men’s hat style in America. Hagen recognized the versatile and debonair nature of the classic fedora and adopted it as part of his personal wardrobe. This proved to be a wise choice for the always dapper Hagen.

As a professional golfer, Hagen understood the practical benefits of wearing a hat to shield his eyes from the sun’s glare while competing. The fedora’s wide brim provided shade from overhead sunlight. The hat also kept perspiration from dripping down Hagen’s face on hot and humid days on the course. Its lightweight felt material ensured his head stayed cool in sweltering conditions.

However, Hagen didn’t select the fedora solely for functional reasons. It also aligned with his reputation as one of the most stylish and charismatic figures in the sport during the early 20th century. Hagen had a knack for showmanship, and the fedora complemented his debonair public persona. Wearing it snapped down over his eyes signaled a bit of dramatic flair.

As Hagen amassed major championships while sporting the fedora, it quickly became ingrained as part of his identity on the course. It even spawned superstitious rituals. At times, Hagen refused to replace an old, tattered fedora if he was on a winning streak. Other times, he insisted on positioning the hat at a specific angle before executing shots. The hat took on an almost supernatural aura about it.

Off the course, Hagen’s fedora served as a memorable visual trademark as he navigated high society circles as one of America’s first celebrity athletes. Showing up to parties and other public events with a fresh fedora signified Hagen’s status and swagger.

Throughout Hagen’s epic rivalry with the more straight-laced Bobby Jones in the 1920s, the fedora came to represent the contrast between their personas. Jones’ and Hagen’s respective headwear choices reflected larger differences in approach and temperament. For the formal Jones, it was the golf cap. For the flamboyant Hagen, it was the flashier fedora.

Interestingly, Hagen’s fedora habit seems to have emerged more by chance than by deliberate planning. In a 1933 interview with the Milwaukee Sentinel, Hagen admitted his hat choice came down to finding one that fit well. “I wear a 71⁄4 hat and I have trouble getting golf caps to fit,” he explained. The fedora proved the perfect solution.

However lofty Hagen’s hat size, his signature fedoras now fetch lofty sums as collector’s items. Well-preserved vintage Hagen fedoras easily sell for over $1,000. These historic hats remain hot commodities among golf memorabilia collectors.

While Hagen passed away in 1969, the iconic image of him studying the slope of a green with fedora stylishly adorned endures through old photographs and newsreels. His dramatic hat remains forever linked to Hagen’s showstopping playing style and enormous championship pedigree.

Other Golfers Who Embraced the Fedora Tribute to Hagen

Walter Hagen’s fedora left a lasting impact on golf fashion. Well after his heyday, other pro golfers continued paying sartorial tribute to Hagen’s signature style by adopting the fedora themselves.

Icons like Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Payne Stewart occasionally donned the fedora on the course as an homage to the stylish Hagen. Stewart’s fedora even nearly sparked an altercation at the 1987 U.S. Open when a USGA official demanded he remove it as part of a crackdown on professional golfers wearing hats. Clearly, the fedora still carried Hagen’s defiant, nonconformist spirit decades later.

Beyond pros, countless amateur golfers through the decades have also embraced the fedora as a symbol of their affection for the game’s rich early 20th century history. For traditionalists, pairing a vintage golf fedora with a knit vest or cardigan evokes the sport’s early Golden Age. Tip your cap to Walter Hagen next time you don a fedora at your local club.

Collecting Vintage Walter Hagen Hats and Memorabilia

As one of golf’s first icons, Walter Hagen generated considerable demand for merchandise bearing his name and likeness during the height of his playing days in the 1920s. Elite golfers coveted Hagen-licensed clubs and golf balls believing it would bring them closer to playing like the great Sir Walter himself.

Of course, Walter Hagen signature fedora hats were must-have items for fans seeking to emulate his style. Newspaper ads from the 1920s pitched stylish Hagen fedoras as the perfect complement to a day on the links. “Make your next round a triumph,” read a 1928 Walter Hagen hat advertisement in the Chicago Daily Tribune. “Top your game with a Walter Hagen signature model hat.”

Today, vintage Hagen-branded fedoras and other Walter Hagen memorabilia remain highly collectible sports artifacts. Avid golf history fans search eBay, flea markets, estate sales, and online auction houses to add remarkable Hagen items to their collection. Owning a piece of Hagen history represents the apex for serious golf memorabilia collectors.

Rare Hagen artifacts up for auction in recent years demonstrate the golfer’s enduring appeal. In 2012, Hagen’s 1923 British Open championship medal sold at auction for over $100,000. Two years later, a trove of Hagen-signed letters and documents fetched over $67,000 through an online auction house. Hagen’s legacy clearly carries enormous value.

For the casual collector on a budget, early 20th century golf magazines featuring Hagen on the cover remain reasonably priced slices of golf history. Some collectors also specialize in accumulating vintage photos of Hagen donning his iconic fedora.

Perhaps the rarest Hagen collectible was also his most obscure – a branded necktie. Photos do confirm Hagen wore his own branded neckwear on occasion. For the Hagen collector who has everything, a intact original “Walter Hagen” necktie represents the ultimate holy grail.

The Fedora’s Lasting Influence on Golf Fashion

Walter Hagen made the fedora a fixture on the golf course for both functional and fashion reasons. But even after professional golfers gradually drifted away from fedoras by the 1960s, their early adoption left a permanent mark.

Golf caps today feature longer visors than old newsboy-style caps to provide extra sun protection. This evolution traces back to pros like Hagen favoring wide-brim fedoras for blocking sunlight on hot days. Today’s longer visors achieve the same purpose.

Hagen also pioneered the concept of golfers as tastemakers and fashion icons. Before Hagen arrived, golfers wore rather pedestrian attire. But he demonstrated they could be stylish and sporty simultaneously. Top golfers today like Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and others still embrace that legacy by sporting eye-catching ensembles.

Hagen’s sense of personal style flowed beyond hats. As a Natty dresser, he demonstrated creative layering with sweaters, cardigans and vests paired with ties and pocket squares. This expression of personality through fashion remains very much alive in golf today.

In many ways, Walter Hagen’s fedora hat helped golfers break free from conformity and spark new traditions in the process. Tipping one’s cap to Walter Hagen remains one of golf’s great customs.

The Fedora’s Origins: History of the Classic Hat Style

Before it became Walter Hagen’s signature accessory, the fedora hat already had a long and fascinating history as a fashionable headwear choice for men. Tracing the origins and evolution of the classic fedora provides insight into why it appealed to Hagen and other stylish gentlemen in the early 20th century.

Etymologically, the name “fedora” derives from the title of an 1882 stage play called Fédora that featured men wearing a similar hat style. The soft felt fedora hat itself emerged as a women’s accessory in the late 19th century. But by the early 1900s, men had adopted the versatile fedora as well.

In the decades before Hagen’s golf career, the fedora gained popularity across social classes. Urban working men appreciated the fedora’s practicality and affordability. Meanwhile, upper crust gentleman recognized its stylish additions to a suit. The hat style successfully bridged class divides.

Part of the fedora’s broad appeal came from its flattering shape. The indents at the front and back complemented the crown contours of most men’s heads. Tilting the brim down in front and slightly up in back framed the face perfectly. Fedora’s were bourgeois yet bohemian all at once.

The hat style also paired well with the lengthy men’s coats and suits of the early 20th century. A furled fedora sitting atop the head added a dramatic punctuation to a gentleman’s ensemble. It said sophistication without seeming stodgy.

Fedoras became ubiquitous among fashionable American men thanks to two key historical factors – the rise of Hollywood and Prohibition-era gangsters.

As silent films grew in popularity in the 1910s, male movie stars like Fred Astaire popularized the fedora as a mechanism for conveying masculine charm and allure on the big screen. Moviegoers wanted to capture that same magnetic energy by wearing a similar hat.

During Prohibition, real-life outlaws and bootleggers embodied a dangerous sex appeal while often wearing fedoras. Pop culture portrayals of charismatic criminals like Al Capone glamorized the fedora as part of the gangster persona. Regular Joes sought a touch of that rebel intrigue.

These dual influences – debonair movie stars and high-rolling gangsters – made the fedora an aspirational symbol of worldly sophistication for men across America entering the 1920s and 30s. Against this backdrop, Walter Hagen made the fedora his trademark as a sports celebrity.

While golfer Bobby Jones stuck with a more conservative ivy cap, Hagen seized on the dramatic flair of the fedora to complement his flashy public persona. The fedora’s rich cultural history provided fertile ground for Hagen to craft his own iconic personal style in golf and beyond.

Understanding the fedora’s origins and rise to prominence shows why the hat made such a fitting match for Sir Walter’s swagger. Hagen didn’t just pluck the fedora randomly – he knew exactly how to leverage the style to enhance his image.

Next time you see a photo of Hagen adjusting his fedora brim at address, appreciate the long sartorial history behind that single hat choice. For Walter Hagen, donning the right fedora was about much more than blocking the sun – it was about exuding confidence, charm and personality through fashion.

Why Hagen Chose the Fedora for Golfing

Walter Hagen’s decision to adopt the fedora as his signature golf hat stemmed from both practical and aesthetic considerations. The versatile fedora offered key benefits for Hagen as a tournament golfer while aligning with his reputation for stylish flair.

In terms of functionality, the classic fedora had multiple attributes that made it well-suited for the golf course. The wide brim provided excellent shade from the sun during Hagen’s long days competing in tournaments. The breathable felt material helped keep his head cool and sweat-free. The indented crown fit the contours of his head comfortably without being restrictive.

Beyond sheer utility, Hagen also embraced the fedora because its dramatic, sweeping brim simply looked more distinctive than a traditional golf cap. Given Hagen’s embrace of flash and showmanship, the Visual appeal of the fedora complemented his public persona as one of golf’s earliest superstars.

While Bobby Jones played it straight with traditional headwear, Hagen saw the potential to establish his own sense of style in the sport. The fedora allowed him to do it while still staying true to golf’s etiquette standards.

Hagen understood that sporting unique headwear could help him stand out in a growing field of elite golfers in the early 1920s. Before massive tournament galleries and television broadcasts, Hagen’s hat helped distinguish and identify him on the course.

He also recognized that stylish accessories could make him more intriguing and magnetic to sports fans, media, and commercial sponsors. Hagen viewed himself as an entertainer playing for high stakes, and the right hat fit the role.

However, Hagen was careful not to push things too far. He knew selecting a bowler or sombrero might spark criticism for looking too irreverent or distracting. The classic fedora achieved the perfect balance of being stylish but not overly theatrical.

In contemporary interviews, Hagen said the superior fit of the fedora played a big role as well. He felt it sat better on his head than the smaller golf caps of the period. The fedora’s dimensions simply aligned with Hagen’s physical features.

Hagen also had access to higher quality fedoras than typical golf hats thanks to his partnership with luxury haberdasher John Cavanagh. Getting custom fedoras from Cavanagh allowed Hagen to dial in the ideal shape, proportions and materials.

In the end, Hagen’s embrace of the fedora demonstrated his keen understanding of both golf and public image. While Bobby Jones symbolized the game’s amateur roots, Hagen tapped into golf’s future as big-time entertainment for mass audiences. His ability to balance style and substance through something as simple as a hat represented a key part of his visionary success.

Next time you see the iconic image of Hagen staring down a putt in his trademark fedora, appreciate the strategic thought that went into crafting his signature look from headwear on down. It was about more than just fashion – it was about persona and competitive edge.

How the Hat Complemented Hagen’s Dapper Style

While Walter Hagen’s fedora brought practical benefits on the golf course, its most important role was complementing his reputation as one of the most stylish athletes of the 1920s.

With his custom-tailored suits and silk ties, Hagen cultivated what the media often referred to as a “dapper” persona both on and off the course. His sense of fashion reflected Hagen’s cosmopolitan tastes from frequent luxury travel.

The fedora became a key accessory for punctuating Hagen’s classy fashion sense. Tilting the hat down over his eyes at a rakish angle immediately signaled Hagen’s cool confidence and sophistication.

Hagen understood that his headwear projected an instant impression about his personality and temperament. A fresh, crisp fedora telegraphed that Hagen took pride in his appearance down to the last detail.

The coordinating colors and textures of his fedoras also showed Hagen’s meticulous nature when assembling an ensemble. He selected colors like midnight blue or forest green that synergized tastefully with his suits and ties.

Hagen often embellished his fedoras with ribbon bands that matched or contrasted artfully with whatever outfit he had chosen for a tournament or public appearance. This subtle show of flair demonstrated his depth of fashion knowledge.

That attention to detail extended to maintaining the fedora’s shape and luster. Hagen understood that an out-of-shape hat ruined the intended effect. He took care to keep his fedoras pressed and brushed.

Interestingly, Hagen’s extravagant clothing budget likely helped him afford higher-quality fedoras than the typical golfer. This ensured his hats held their form and didn’t crease or droop on course.

Hagen also demonstrated creativity in modifying some fedoras to be more suitable for golf. He would carefully trim the brim widths on select hats to achieve the ideal balance between shade and swing interference.

Above all, Hagen recognized the power of a fedora to infuse a mood and persona without saying a word. Whether cigar-chomping and cocky or pensive and stone-faced, the hat projected an aura of confidence and competitive fire.

That same dynamism translated to the golf course. Other pros saw Hagen’s fedora and knew they were facing a formidable opponent who didn’t back down. The hat became a representation of his mental game.

In many ways, the fedora allowed Walter Hagen to define golfing style on his own terms. It distilled the spirit of innovation, charm and charisma that made Hagen one of golf’s first transcendent superstars.

Hagen’s mastery of hats demonstrated he knew good golf was never just about what you shot – it was also about charm and showmanship. His fedoras played a key role in crafting his legacy.

The Fedora’s Practical Benefits for Golfers

The fedora hat may seem like a stylish accessory today, but it actually has very practical roots in the game of golf. This distinctive wide-brimmed hat with the indented crown was popularized in the early 20th century by the legendary golfer Walter Hagen, who made it his signature look on the course.

But how did this hat become so closely associated with golf? And what are the benefits of wearing a fedora while teeing off? Let’s take a deeper look at the fascinating history of the fedora as a key part of the golfer’s toolkit.

Walter Hagen Makes the Fedora Famous

Walter Hagen, one of the first American-born golf superstars, won 11 major championships between 1914 and 1929. But he was also well-known for his sense of style and flair, which included wearing fashionable fedora hats. This stood out at a time when most golfers simply wore visors or straw hats to protect them from the sun.

Hagen helped popularize the fedora among golfers not just as a stylish statement, but for its functionality. The lightweight felt material and stiff brim kept the sun out of his eyes while lining up shots. Meanwhile, the breathable fabric helped keep his head cool in hot temperatures. Hagen’s fedoras became synonymous with his iconic look.

Shading Your Eyes from Sun Glare

One of the fedora’s biggest benefits on the golf course is shielding your eyes from the sun’s glare. Squinting against bright sunlight while trying to line up a shot can negatively impact your game. The fedora’s wide brim casts a helpful shadow over your eyes and face, allowing you to see the ball more clearly.

The brim also blocks sunlight coming from overhead or the sides, reducing squinting and discomfort from all angles. This perk makes the fedora ideal for golfing on courses without much tree coverage or shade.

Staying Cool Under the Hot Sun

Golf is often played under the hot sun, especially during summer afternoons. Overheating can sap your energy, focus, and enjoyment of the game. Here again, the breathable felt or straw construction of the classic fedora comes in handy.

The lightweight material allows air flow to your head, helping you stay cooler than you would with a traditional baseball cap or visor. The moisture-wicking fabric also absorbs sweat to keep it from dripping down your face. Fedoras offer shade without causing you to overheat, even on sweltering days.

Keeping Rain Out of Your Eyes

While most golfers stay off the course during heavy rains, an unexpected drizzle can happen anytime. Fedoras have the benefit of keeping precipitation out of your eyes so you can continue playing through light showers or mist.

The water-resistant felt fabric and sloped brim directs raindrops away from your face. This allows you to focus through wet conditions without constantly wiping your eyes clear. A fedora’s rain protection gives you confidence to swing away even when the weather takes a turn.

Adding Some Vintage Style

Beyond the practical benefits, fedoras also add a touch of retro style to your golf game. They conjure up classic images of stylish golfers from the early 1900s, when it became popularized.

Sporting a fedora makes you feel like you’re teeing off alongside Walter Hagen himself back in the sport’s early heyday. It channels golf’s rich history and traditions in a way few other accessories can match.

So feel free to channel your inner old-school golfer by donning a sleek fedora, with the added perks of shade, cooling, and rain protection out on the links.

Finding the Right Fedora for Golfing

If you’re sold on trying out a fedora for your next round of golf, keep a few tips in mind when selecting one:

• Look for lightweight, breathable felt or straw rather than heavy materials
• Make sure the brim is wide enough to provide ample shade and eye protection
• Find a snug but comfortable fit that won’t blow off in windy conditions
• Consider a water-resistant finish to repel light rain during play
• Go with neutral colors like black, brown, gray, or tan rather than loud prints

With the right fedora that provides shade, ventilation, and style, you’re ready to tackle the course while looking like a golf great.

So next time you shop for golf gear, consider channeling Walter Hagen and picking up a classic fedora to wear during your round. Your game and your look will thank you!

Hagen Hat Superstitions and Rituals on the Course

Walter Hagen, one of golf’s earliest superstars, became synonymous with the stylish fedora hats he always wore when competing. But for Hagen, his signature hat was more than just a fashion statement – it was part of a series of pre-round rituals and on-course superstitions he followed religiously.

Like many athletes, Hagen had his specific routines that needed to be completed in a certain order before teeing off. And his lucky fedora played a key role in many of these quirky habits that Hagen believed gave him an edge.

A Signature Look from Day One

According to those close to him, Hagen treated his fedora like a lucky charm and wore one ever since he first took up golf as a young caddy. He believed the hat brought him good fortune, and over his career he became so attached to this superstition that he refused to compete without one.

In an era when most golfers wore visors or caps, Hagen’s stylish fedora with the brim snapped down became his signature look. If he ever had to borrow a replacement hat, he would quickly bend the brim into the proper downward slope before teeing off.

Precise Placement and Positioning

Hagen insisted that his fedora sit at just the right angle when worn during tournaments. It needed to be tilted down over his eyes at a specific, rakish angle. He would spend practice rounds adjusting the hat and memorizing precisely where it needed to sit on his head before it felt “just right.”

This perfect positioning had to be replicated before every competitive round. Stepping up to the first tee, Hagen would carefully place the fedora so it matched his mental image, believing this boosted his chances of playing well.

A Doff of the Cap to Start Strong

Hagen also initiated his pre-round ritual by ceremonially taking off and replacing his fedora just before teeing off on the first hole. He would lift the hat quickly with flair, pause briefly, then put it back on his head, seeming to “lock in” the ideal angle.

While it may have looked like a simple doff of the cap, this was an important lucky gesture that Hagen believed started his round on the right footing and brought good fortune for the next 18 holes.

Never Changing Headwear Mid-Round

Perhaps most tellingly, Hagen staunchly refused to change hats mid-round or replace his fedora with a different style. Even if the weather turned unexpectedly, Hagen kept his trusty fedora on all 18 holes.

This fed into his superstition that altering his hat during a competitive round could disrupt his luck and momentum. Despite any temperature or condition changes, Hagen tenaciously stuck with the same topper from start to finish.

A Lucky Charm Comes Out of Retirement

Late in his career, Hagen came out of retirement in 1937 to compete in the prestigious British Open. Despite not playing competitively for years, he stunningly won the tournament at age 45.

Many observers noted that Hagen wore his iconic fedora during the victory, falling back on his old superstitions. This may have convinced Hagen his lucky hat still carried magic and was key to one last great championship.

More Than Just Superstition?

Of course, it’s easy to dismiss Hagen’s fedora rituals as mere superstition. But some argue there were practical benefits to his habits as well.

Always wearing the same style of hat likely helped Hagen get comfortable with how it sat on his head and the vision it allowed. His preliminary adjustments ensured optimal shade and glare protection.

So while Hagen’s hat habits may have originated from superstition, over time they evolved into a repeatable routine that improved his comfort, vision, and concentration leading up to and during tournaments.

A Golf Icon’s Defining Accessory

Walter Hagen left an indelible mark on golf, with 11 major titles and a flamboyant style that popularized the fedora as the golfer’s hat of choice. While the roots may have been superstitious, his signature headwear became a defining accessory.

So next time you see a golfer adjusting their hat just right or doffing it before a shot, they may be channeling the quirky pre-round rituals that Hagen convinced himself brought good luck over his illustrious career.

While the science is questionable, Hagen’s fedora is forever linked to the early days of star golfers. And for Hagen himself, the hat was clearly much more than just a fashion statement.

The Hat as a Status Symbol in 1920s Golf Culture

In addition to any lucky superstitions, Walter Hagen’s fedora hat came to signify something deeper in the roaring 20s golf scene – status. The flashy star golfer made his stylish headwear a coveted symbol among professionals and aspiring amateurs alike.

During this era, competitive golf was exploding in popularity. And for many, Hagen and his iconic hat embodied the aspirational lifestyle of wealth and fame the sport could bring.

Hagen Hat Fever Grips 1920s Golfers

As a top golfer of the time, Walter Hagen had the money and flair for fashion to stand out. While most golfers back then simply wore caps or visors, Hagen sported stylish, upscale fedoras on the course.

Seeing this star player winning tournaments in his signature hat kicked off a trend. Soon many golfers were emulating Hagen’s look, sporting felt fedoras with a snapped-down brim on the course. His hats became a status symbol among players and fans.

The Mark of a Golf Professional

For players of the era, wearing a fedora like Hagen was a way to identify with professionals at the top of the sport. Pros wanted to mirror the stars by sporting similar hats.

Even amateur golfers got in on it, as the fedora marked you as a more serious player than someone wearing a common flat cap or straw hat.

Dressing for the Clubhouse

Hagen’s fedora also aligned with the culture of upscale country clubs where much of competitive golf took place in the 1920s. The hat complemented dressing up in jacket and tie for rounds and club events.

Golfers wearing fedoras fit this atmosphere of class and sophistication. Hagen himself played into this by always being impeccably dressed from hat to shoes.

A Fashion Risk That Paid Off

While professional golfers today have endorsement deals with clothing brands, that wasn’t the case early on. Hagen took a risk by spending significant money on customized suits and hats to stand out.

But it established his iconic image and paid dividends down the road. Seeing pros like Hagen go all-in on fashion opened the door for branded player apparel in later eras.

Harkening Back to Golf’s Origins

The fedora also called back to golf’s early days in Scotland and England in the 19th century. This style of hat was popular in the U.K. when the game was first spreading.

For American players like Hagen, wearing a fedora linked the modern game back to these origins and traditions. It provided a sense of continuity across different eras.

The Everyman Appeal of a Golf Icon

While the fedora had upper-class connotations, Hagen himself was relatable to everyday golf fans. The son of an immigrant blacksmith, he learned golf as a caddy before making a name for himself.

So for many hopeful players, Hagen embodied the idea that golf could be the path to rising up in status. And it started by dressing the part, right down to the signature hat.

The Legacy of Hagen’s Golf Lid Lives On

Though fashions changed, Walter Hagen’s fedora remains an iconic symbol of golf’s golden age in the crazy 1920s. His sense of style brought attention to the sport and aspiration to everyday players.

Today, while pros are decked out in Nike and Adidas, you can still spot amateur golfers at public courses wearing classic fedoras as a nod to Hagen and the roots of star style on the links.

So even now, almost a century later, Hagen’s influence can be felt through this generation of players paying tribute by donning a throwback hat for their rounds.

Top Hagen Hat Moments and Championships

Walter Hagen dazzled golf fans not just with his groundbreaking play, but his sense of style highlighted by his signature fedora hats. Here are some of Hagen’s biggest tournament victories and the iconic hat moments that went with them.

1914 U.S. Open – First Major Title

Hagen won the first of his two U.S. Open titles in 1914, launching himself into golf stardom at age 21. It was the first major won by an American-born player, and Hagen did it in style wearing a sharp fedora as he bested legend Harry Vardon.

1916 U.S. Open – Back-to-Back at Brae Burn

At the 1916 U.S. Open at Brae Burn Country Club, Hagen repeated as champion by coming from behind in the final round. Photographs show him sinking the winning putt in a stylish light-colored fedora angled rakishly on his head.

1920 PGA Championship – First Match Play Victory

This was Hagen’s first win at the PGA Championship, then a match play event. Despite oppressive heat, he kept his trademark fedora on while defeating Jock Hutchison in the finals to cement his status as golf’s rising star.

1924 British Open – First Major Across the Pond

Hagen became the first American golfer to win the British Open in 1924, taking the Claret Jug at historic Royal Liverpool. As always, he tipped his fedora to the gallery as he closed out the victory and brought the title back to the U.S.

1926 British Open – Stunning Comeback at Royal Lytham

Down by six shots entering the final round in 1926, Hagen pulled off an incredible comeback at Royal Lytham to capture his second straight British Open. Photography shows Hagen smiling wide wearing his fedora accepting the trophy.

1927 British Open – Threepeat at St Andrews

The following year at legendary St Andrews, site of golf’s origin, Hagen won his third consecutive British Open in windy conditions. Images clearly show his signature hat keeping his hair in place despite strong gusts off the North Sea.

1928 PGA Championship – Last Match Play Title

Hagen bested rival Gene Sarazen in 38 holes to win his fourth PGA Championship in 1928. As always, he tipped his hat to the crowd and removed it to wipe his brow, even in the intense match play format.

1929 British Open – Career Grand Slam Completed

With his victory at Royal Liverpool in 1929, Hagen became the first golfer to complete the career Grand Slam of all four modern majors. He proudly wore his trusty fedora yet again as he hoisted the Claret Jug to celebrate this historic feat.

1930 British Open – Last Hurrah at Age 37

Defeating younger star Gene Sarazen at Royal Liverpool, the 37-year-old Hagen won his final British Open and major title. Windblown but smiling in his fedora, he memorably called it “one for the old man” as his career neared its end.

A Hat for the Ages

From first major to completing the Grand Slam, Walter Hagen’s fedora was by his side. Its snappy style symbolized Hagen’s groundbreaking championships and panache that ushered golf into the modern era as a sport of flair and personality.

Each flip of the hat to acknowledge adoring crowds; each pat of the head to wipe away sweat; and each triumphant lift of the lid to celebrate a win cemented the fedora as an icon of golf’s early 20th century golden age.

Other Golfers Who Embraced the Fedora Tribute to Hagen

Walter Hagen made the fedora an iconic symbol of golf’s style and spirit. Here are some other top players through the years who paid tribute to Hagen by making their own version of the fedora part of their look.

Gene Sarazen

Sarazen was Hagen’s chief rival in the 1920s and also a top player in the decades after. He often wore a fedora on the course as a nod to Hagen’s influence, while playing in their many exhibitions together.

Sam Snead

The smooth-swinging Snead, one of the game’s greatest ball-strikers, was another who donned fedoras like his idol Hagen. Photographs of Snead typically show him in a straw fedora on course and doffing it after great shots.

Ben Hogan

While taciturn compared to the flashy Hagen, Hogan respected his legacy. Hogan wore his own version of the fedora during practice rounds and when relaxing off the course in homage to Hagen’s sense of style.

Byron Nelson

Nelson famously made golf history with 11 straight tournament wins in 1945 while wearing a fedora in the Hagen tradition. Nelson called it a “lucky hat” that helped him stay focused during his record run.

Arnold Palmer

Palmer brought flair and a fan-friendly appeal back to golf similar to Hagen’s impact decades before. Unsurprisingly, Palmer was often photographed in a fedora like his stylish predecessor during the peak of his career.

Gary Player

Player admired Hagen for making fitness and rigorous training part of golf. The South African star’s signature look on course included a sleek, minimalist black fedora as his version of Hagen’s classic lid.

Tom Kite

Kite was one of golf’s earliest star endorsers of sunglasses. But he often reverted to a stylish fedora that protected his eyes, similar to how Hagen originally used the hat for functionality.

Fred Couples

Easygoing Couples was known for wearing a fedora at Augusta National to shield his eyes on the shaded course. A touching tribute to Hagen came when Couples tipped his hat after winning the 1992 Masters.

Sergio Garcia

Garcia has been photographed practicing and playing casual rounds in a sleek fedora like his golf idols. For Garcia, it’s a way to connect to the roots of the game through honoring icons like Hagen.

These golf greats show that Walter Hagen didn’t just make the fedora a fad – he made it a timeless symbol of the sport’s history and spirit. The hat’s continued popularity is perhaps Hagen’s most enduring tribute.

The Hat’s Significance in Hagen’s Rivalry with Bobby Jones

Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones pushed each other to excellence as friendly rivals in golf’s early days. Hagen’s stylish fedora was a symbolic contrast to Jones’s more conservative caps in their long-running competition.

Contrasting Styles, Shared Respect

Hagen and Jones captured the public’s imagination as the two biggest stars bringing golf into the 20th century. But their styles were polar opposites. Hagen always dazzled in tailored clothes and his signature fedora hat, while Jones wore rumpled tweed caps.

Despite these differences, they recognized each other’s skill and never let style conflicts affect their friendship. They appreciated what each brought to growing the game.

Driving Up Jones’s Competitive Fire

While Jones was just as talented, seeing the flashy Hagen succeed lit a competitive fire under the normally reserved Jones. Hagen’s brash fedora symbolized this motivation to beat his rival.

Jones even admitted that Hagen’s “gold plated” persona pushed him to train relentlessly and elevate his focus and desire to win championships.

Contrasting Paths to the Same Goal

Jones was the gifted amateur who mastered the game through nonstop practice. Hagen was the stylish professional who charmed fans and promoted golf worldwide through exhibitions.

But Hagen’s hat helped highlight that each man ultimately had the same goal – raising golf’s profile as a serious sport at the highest level.

A Rivalry Built on Mutual Respect

Despite their differences, Hagen and Jones maintained great admiration and warmth toward each other throughout their careers. This was highlighted at Hagen’s funeral in 1969, when a tearful Jones called Hagen “the greatest golfer of them all.”

Their graceful rivalry proved golf could bridge style divides through respect between competitors who shared a love of the game.

Contrast Extended to the 1927 British Open

Their contrasting styles was never more evident than the 36-hole finale between Jones and Hagen at the 1927 British Open at St Andrews.

Jones arrived in typical rumpled attire, while Hagen sauntered in wearing an impeccably tailored suit, boldly patterned tie, and stylish fedora angled just so.

Jones Gets the Best of Hagen in 1927

While Jones ended up winning the tournament for his first British Open title, he later admitted the image of Hagen’s bold fashion stayed in his mind and drove him to elevate his focus and game.

In this way, Hagen’s fedora hat helped push Jones to new heights while forging one of golf’s greatest rivalries.

Their Contrasting Duels Advanced Golf

Like all friendly rivalries, Jones and Hagen brought out the best in each other at crucial times that shaped golf history.Jones called his rival “the greatest competitor I ever played with.”

Their competitive respect, symbolized by Hagen’s flamboyant hat versus Jones’s cap, made golf the obsession of American sports fans in the roaring 20s.

Hagen’s Hat Set the Table for Golf Personality

Jones later said that Hagen, through his sense of style and engaging persona, “did more for golf than anyone else has ever done.”

By making his fedora an iconic symbol of swagger, Hagen pioneered golf’s path from stuffy elitism into a mainstream sport with room for personality and flair.

This pathway paved the way for every golfer with charisma and star power to follow, from Palmer to Mickelson to Woods and beyond.

Hagen’s Sense of Humor with His Golf Hats

In addition to his competitive drive, Walter Hagen had a lively sense of humor that often involved the stylish fedora hats he wore on the course. He used his signature lids as props for jokes and amusing anecdotes.

Hat-Based Nicknames for Fellow Golfers

Hagen enjoyed affectionately nicknaming his fellow pros based on their hat styles. Gene Sarazen was “The Man in the Flat Cap” for his trademark tweed hat, while Horton Smith was “Old Fedora” for mimicking Hagen’s look.

These hat monikers were Hagen’s way of honoring rivals while jokingly needling them in the locker room or at charity events.

Comical Hat Exchanges and Borrowing

Always looking for a laugh, Hagen would amuse himself by swapping hats with other golfers or caddies mid-round as a prank. He’d play a few holes in an oversized or misshapen hat borrowed from others.

While he took his own fedora seriously, Hagen used hat swaps to show he didn’t take himself too seriously and keep things lighthearted.

Tipping the Hat to Fans and Opponents

Another trademark Hagen move was graciously tipping or removing his fedora to salute cheering fans or acknowledge opponents’ good shots. But he’d occasionally give an exaggerated, vaudeville-style hat tip that got laughs.

It allowed Hagen to show respect while using his hat for a little golf humor to win over galleries.

Teasing Caddies by Handing Off His Hat

Hagen also had fun teasing caddies by making them wear his fedora for a hole or two. He’d play bareheaded, feigning distraction, before “finding” his hat on the caddy to uproarious laughter.

It poked fun at the hat’s supposed “lucky charm” powers, showing Hagen didn’t always take his superstitions seriously.

Hat Jokes and One-Liners

The fedora also provided fodder for Hagen’s jokes and one-liners at charity events and pro-ams. He’d quip that he’d lost his putting stroke but found it tucked in the hatband, or that he had to retire several fedoras after wearing them out from so many victory tips.

His golf hat humor added to Hagen’s appeal as an engaging entertainer who resonated with everyday fans.

Using Hats as Props in Charity Skits

During professional events to raise money for charity, Hagen would perform hilarious impromptu skits using his fedora as a key prop. He’d pantomime it flying off his head during dramatic golf swings to the crowd’s delight.

Hagen’s hat humor showed he didn’t consider himself above clowning for a good cause.

Pranking Golf Partners with Hat Tricks

When playing fun rounds with friends, Hagen was known for pulling pranks like hiding their hats or pretending to accidentally knock them into water hazards. These hat tricks always ended with Hagen producing the hat unharmed.

It added levity and fun that captured the playful spirit with which Hagen approached golf.

So while known for competitive fire, Walter Hagen’s sense of humor involving his trademark fedora also made golf less stuffy and more fun for all who played.

The Hat as Part of Hagen’s Showmanship and Charisma

Walter Hagen revolutionized golf with his outgoing, charming personality. His stylish fedora was an accessory that amplified his appeal and showmanship for fans.

The Flashy Hat Matched the Larger-Than-Life Persona

With his bravado and talent, Hagen had a magnetism that golf had never seen before. The fedora perfectly complemented his look as a flashy, captivating star ushering golf into the 20th century.

The hat gave fans a bold, recognizable symbol of Hagen’s swaggering charisma that stuck in the public imagination.

Tipping the Hat to Acknowledge the Crowd

Hagen famously would tip or remove his fedora when greeting galleries as he approached each tee box. This signature move fired up fans and showed his appreciation for their support.

The hat amplified his engagement with spectators, who ate up the dramatic gesture at every tournament.

Tossing the Hat to the Crowd After a Win

When Hagen sealed a tournament victory, he would sometimes joyously toss his fedora into the gallery for fans to enjoy. This cemented the hat as a prized souvenir and symbol of Hagen’s stardom.

It also showed Hagen as a golfer who embraced playing for the fans as much as for himself.

A Smile and Twirl of the Hat After Great Shots

Moments of individual brilliance were also accompanied by great hat showmanship. After hitting a spectacular iron or holing a long putt, Hagen would smile wide and twirl his fedora to celebrate.

It fired up crowds and created an infectious energy around his persona.

Using the Hat Brim to Hide Emotion

The fedora was also handy for theatrically concealing emotion if Hagen hit a bad shot. He would tilt the brim down over his eyes to “hide his shame” in dramatic fashion, drawing laughs and breaking tension.

It showed Hagen’s willingness to get fans involved, even when things went wrong.

Playfully Trading Hats with Fans and Caddies

To delight galleries, Hagen would sometimes swap hats with his caddie or a fan for a hole or two. He’d tip someone else’s hat as they pretended to be the star.

It reinforced the fedora as integral to his identity while showing his down-to-earth rapport with average followers.

Adding Style and Elegance to His Presence

Overall, the fedora simply made Hagen look like a leading man. It lent style, class, and elegance to his aura as the game’s first true star player.

The hat amplified his charm in a way that drew new demographics of fans to golf just to see Hagen work his magic.

Golf Had Found Its First Matinee Idol

While Bobby Jones symbolized golf’s amateur tradition, Hagen stood for its emerging future as big-time entertainment through charisma and persona.

With his fedora serving as an exclamation point, Hagen became golf’s first true matinee idol and set the model for future stars.

Collecting Vintage Walter Hagen Hats and Memorabilia

With his iconic sense of style, Walter Hagen fedoras and related memorabilia are highly coveted items for golf collectors and historians.

Finding Far Flung Treasures

Original Hagen fedoras from the 1920s and 30s can surface at estate sales, online auctions, vintage clothing stores, and other unexpected places. Part of the fun is the hunt to locate rare pieces still in circulation.

Hallmarks of Authentic Hagen Hats

When examining a potential vintage Hagen hat, look for tell-tale traits like the specific pedigree or designer tags he preferred. Quality materials and intact sweatbands also help confirm provenance.

Verifying Provenance and History

Ideal finds have documentation or stories that map the hat’s history. Photos of Hagen wearing it or details on how it was obtained help verify authenticity and increase collectability.

Loose Hats or Boxes With Original Contents

While loose hats are great, finding original containers with accessories like bands or pins takes the value to another level. Complete sets retaining original contents provide a tangible connection to Hagen.

Fit for Display Alongside Golf Clubs

For collectors who store vintage golf clubs, a classic Hagen fedora makes the perfect display companion. The hat complements and helps contextualize the equipment from the era.

Hagen Books, Cards, and Prints

Early paper materials like tournament programs, trading cards, and prints showing Hagen add to the collection. Books on his career also help immerse fans in the context around his hats.

Bragging Rights of Rare Finds

Locating an obscure hat style worn in a minor early tournament provides insider bragging rights. Even common fans become Hagen historians armed with the story behind rare gear.

Preserving Golf History One Hat at a Time

Collecting Walter Hagen artifacts preserves the legacy of one of golf’s most colorful pioneers for future generations. His hats are artifacts that tell a compelling story.

Exhibiting Proudly or Hunting for More

Once the collection reaches critical mass, collectors can proudly display their Hagen hats or be inspired to keep hunting for even more elusive and obscure treasures.

Owning Walter Hagen memorabilia allows fans to tangibly touch golf history and stand in The Haig’s actual footprints.

The Fedora’s Lasting Influence on Golf Fashion

Walter Hagen made the fedora an iconic symbol of golf’s style and spirit. Here are some ways the hat’s influence is still felt in golf fashion today.

Permission for Personality in Style

Beyond championships, one of Hagen’s biggest contributions was showing that golfers could display personality through fashion. His fedora hat led the way for future stars to express individual style.

Moving from Function to Flair

Before Hagen, most golfers wore plain caps or visors that simply provided sun protection. But his fedora brought flair and panache that launched golf hats as statements of personal style and branding.

Ushering Out Stuffy Traditions

The fedora’s sophisticated yet rakish vibe helped golf shed its traditional image of discomfort in stiff tweed suits. Hagen made it cool for golfers to take fashion risks while respecting the game.

Setting the Stage for Player Endorsements

As one of the first star golfers to resonate as a larger-than-life figure, Hagen set the template for modern players to leverage style and personality into endorsement deals.

Paving the Way for Bold Signature Looks

Every signature style needs an origin story. The fedora serves as the genesis for other bold fashion statements in golf, from Payne Stewart’s plus fours to Stephen Ames’ sunglasses to Jesper Parnevik’s upturned bill.

Inspiring Collections and Collaborations

Hagen’s sense of style inspired modern lines like Greyson Clothiers’ 2021 “Haig Collection.” It also led to hat collaborations between labels and pros, creating new histories.

Sparking General Golf Fashion Trends

Designers often revisit classic Hagen-era styles like knickers, argyle prints, and wool caps. The fedora especially remains an on-trend accessory for pros and amateurs on course.

A Symbol of Golf’s Golden Age

The fedora’s lasting connection to Hagen made it an iconic symbol of golf’s formative years. It transports fans back to the sport’s origins and Troon’s hallowed legends.

Giving Hat-Wearing Confidence to All

Like Hagen himself, the fedora’s aura of effortless cool gives everyday golfers confidence to wear a bold hat with personality, rather than simply having a functional purpose.

So Walter Hagen’s fedora legacy continues to let golfers tee off in style.

Why Walter Hagen’s Golf Hat Remains an Iconic Part of His Legacy

Decades after his dominant run, Walter Hagen’s sense of style represented by his favorite fedora hat is still an integral part of his lasting impact on golf.

It Captured Hagen’s Bold Spirit

The hat symbolized the flair, charisma and boldness Hagen brought to golf’s image. Before him, most golfers were rather blandly dressed. Hagen’s fedora signaled he was a new breed of vibrant star.

It Stood Out from the Crowd

In an era when most golfers wore visors or caps, Hagen’s fedora made him stand out on the course. Its unique look captured the public’s attention, matching his colorful personality.

It Signaled Confidence and Stature

The way Hagen wore his fedora – angled low over his eyes – gave off an air of confidence, power and even mischief. This reflected his dominance and star power at the dawn of professional golf.

It Marked Golf’s Evolution into a Modern Sport

Hagen’s hat helped golf transition from its rigid Victorian origins into a relaxed, charismatic modern sport. It granted golfers permission to have fun and show off style.

It Launched Golf Apparel as a Symbol of Personality

Before endorsements, Hagen used custom haberdashery like his fedora to express personality. This practice led to branded player apparel that projected style and individuality.

It Blazed a Trail for Taking Risks in Fashion

Hagen proved golfers could take fashion risks and stand out. Pros today credit his bold fedora for paving the way for them to express uniqueness in their own signature looks.

It Captured Key Moments in Golf History

Many iconic photos showing Hagen’s triumphs have him sporting the fedora after sinking the winning putt. These images forever linked the hat to pivotal events.

It Created an Aura Around Hagen

The fedora added to the mystique of Hagen as one of golf’s earliest superstars. It created an unmistakable aura around his persona that drew fans in.

It Inspired Other Pros to Wear Signatures

Plenty of subsequent pros adopted signature styles that emulated Hagen – from Sarazen’s cap to Palmer’s cardigan to Mickelson’s visor. They owe the trend to Hagen’s original fedora inspiration.

So the fedora hat played a key role in establishing Walter Hagen’s lasting identity and impact on golf for generations to come.