Bobby Jones, Walter Hagan, Gene Sarazen, and Tommy Armour Signed 1941 Bahamas Red Cross Benefit Match Admission Pass. [with] Two Duke of Windsor Typed Letters Signed.

Exceptionally rare 1941 Bahamas Red Cross Benefit Match Admission Pass signed by Bobby Jones, Walter Hagan, Gene Sarazen, and Tommy Armour handsomely framed with a typed letter signed by the Duke of Windsor, "Edward" to Gene Sarazen thanking him for a fine set of golf clubs and anticipating his visit and participation in the benefit match dated 3rd February, 1941. With a second typed letter signed by the Duke of Windsor letter dated 21st January, 1942 preserved in an archival plastic sleeve and tucked into a pocket at rear. One page, on the Duke of Windor's Government House Bahamas letterhead, the first letter is dated 3rd February, 1941 and reads in part: Dear Sarazen, My grateful thanks for your letter of January 24th and for the fine set of golf clubs which have arrived here safely. I hardly tell you how delighted I am with this handsome gift... The Duchess, who is President of our local branch of the Red Cross, appreciates as much as I do, your suggesting to the Manager of the four tennis stars, that they should come to Nassau to play some exhibition matches in aid of the Red Cross... But the big event of the winter season will be yours, Bobby Jones', Walter Hagen's and Tommy Armour's visit in March and I can assure you all a very warm welcome and a keenly interested gallery, even if our gold course is not up to the standard you are used to. With my renewed thanks for your fine and welcome gift, Believe me, Yours sincerely, "Edward." Handsomely mounted and framed with an original ticket from the event with the printed details: Bahamas Country Club Nassau Bahamas Benefit Match in Aid of the Bahamas Red Cross Under the Distinguished Patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor Bobby Jones and Tommy Armour vs. Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen Sunday, March 16th 1941. The ticket is boldly signed by all four golfers. The second letter, in a folder at rear, pocket at rear is dated 21st January, 1942 and reads in part: Dear Sarazen, The Duchess and I greatly appreciate your suggestion that you and Hagen play a match for the Red Cross here, but in view of the fact that I have already refused an offer of Fred Corcoran to organize a charity match as last year, and owing to American's entry into the war, there will be no winter tourist season to speak of, I really do not think it would be an auspicious time to organize anything for the Red Cross along the lines you suggest... Looking forward to playing  with you again and with my best wishes, Believe me, Sincerely yours, "Edward."  Mounted, matted, and framed. The letters measure 8.75 inches by 6.25 inches. The entire piece measures 23 inches by 14.25 inches. After the abdication crisis of 1936, the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) was appointed Governor of the Bahamas (1940–1945). During his tenure in Nassau, he and the Duchess became prominent social figures, hosting and supporting high-profile events, including charity functions. The Bahamas in the late 1930s–early 1940s was a fashionable winter destination for wealthy Americans and British elites. Golf exhibitions featuring major champions were popular fundraising attractions including exhibition matches staged at the Bahamas Country Club in aid of local and wartime charities such as the Bahamas Red Cross. One such benefit brought together an extraordinary field of major champions — Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Tommy Armour — whose appearance in Nassau underscored both the colony’s status as an elite winter resort and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s role as highly visible patrons of philanthropic and social events during the governorship. These tournaments functioned simultaneously as charitable fundraisers, society occasions, and instruments of soft diplomacy, linking British colonial administration with American sporting celebrity at a moment of global instability.