Match Play at Firestone, a prime Ben Hogan vs a prime......?

Question

Byron Nelson. Who wins?

Answer 1

Brent:

I thought about this question for literally two hours. There are many factors invloved which effect the answer to this question.

# 1 is the course...it's been redesigned many times over the years. I'm going to assume this magical match is going to take place on today's behemoth of a course.

Since it's taking place on the 2006 version of Firestone CC, which really favors a long hitter who can fade the ball (Hogan) rather than a ball striker such as Nelson.

Although match play tends to favor the more consistent player, both of these players have been identified as two of the best ball strikers off all time...neither were said to be fantastic putters, but I recall reading that Hogan would go years without missing a short putt (this was before he got the yips later in his career).

I'm also going to assume that they're going to be using their vintage clubs....which I think would favor Hogan since he was noted to be a great fairway wood and long iron player...which would help at Firestone of today with it's massive length.

After figuring all the variables I still believe it would come down to one thing....Hogan always was ticked at Nelson, who grew up in the same caddy yard as young Ben (although a few years older and much bigger) and garnered much of the attention of the members.

This always left Hogan with a chip on his shoulder against Nelson. I think The Hawk would stare Nelson down and beat him with a birdie on The Monster, 16 at Firestone...3 and 2.

Nice question, I enjoyed formulating an answer to it!

Answer 2

Although Hogan was the better player, IMO anyways. I think he had a poor record of head-to-heads vs Iron Byron. However, this record might have been rectified if Bryon didn’t retire so early, after which time Hogan improved. I’d still go with Hogan, quite simply because when his putter worked he was, IMO, the greatest player ever to have played the game.

Answer 3

Byron Nelson won 11 straight tourneys....... but Hogan had 12 more PGA tour wins and 4 more majors.......... but Nelson played 5 less years.......... it's basically a push, they might need a playoff to decide.

Answer 4

Hogan.

Answer 5

Hogan. Nelson would be a gracious loser though.