Hogan’s Alley: Why Ben Hogan Is Synonymous With Colonial Country Club

Colonial Country Club is known as Hogan's Alley, with the World Golf Hall of Famer claiming a record five victories around its layout

Ben Hogan hits a bunker shot. Hogan's bronze statue on the other side
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are some courses that are built for certain professionals, with one of the most famous combinations of player and course being Ben Hogan and Colonial Country Club.

Claiming five victories around the layout in his home State of Texas, Hogan's influence on Colonial Country Club was so strong that it's even now dubbed 'Hogan's Alley.'

A bronze statue of Ben Hogan at Colonial Country Club

Hogan's statue at Colonial Country Club

(Image credit: Getty Images)

His first victory in the event came in the very first tournament which, at the time, was named the Colonial National Invitation.

Part of his incredible 1946 season, the nine-time Major winner shot a final round 65 to win by a single stroke and, just 12 months later, he defended the title by matching his one-under-par tournament score from the year before.

Although he then didn't claim the event's title for a few years, he went back-to-back once again in 1952 and 1953. That fourth victory came in the same year as Hogan claimed The Masters, US Open and Open Championship in a three-Major season.

Ben Hogan with the trophy after winning the 1950 US Open at Merion

Hogan claimed 64 PGA Tour wins throughout his career, including nine Major championships

(Image credit: Getty Images)

After his victory, Hogan then claimed a fifth and final title in 1959 at the age of 47. It was the first Colonial National Invitation to go to playoff, with Hogan defeating Fred Hawkins after firing an 18-hole 69 on Monday, while Hawkins could only finish with a 73.

The victory in 1959 was his final ever win on the Tour and, while playing and, subsequently, retiring from professional golf, the Career Grand Slam winner was an active member of Colonial, even calling it his "home course."

In fact, there's a 7-foot bronze statue of Hogan on its grounds, while the clubhouse is full of Hogan memorabilia, including a Hogan Room that contains various video footage and trophies.

Hogan's influence on the game is clear to see and one of the examples of his impact is the Ben Hogan Award, which goes to the most outstanding amateur collegiate golfer in the US over the last 12 months.

In 2025, Luke Clanton claimed that honor and, in a ceremony at Colonial Country Club, a place in the Charles Schwab Challenge field, which takes place 22nd - 25th May.

Ben Hogan's Wins At Colonial Country Club

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Year

Score

Margin Of Victory

1946

-1

One Stroke

1947

-1

One Stroke

1952

-1

Four Strokes

1953

+2

Five Strokes

1959

+5

Playoff

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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