Boston and Babe

The 2 way love affair between Babe Zaharias and Boston area golf fans can not be over stated. Look no further than the scene at The Hawthorne Hotel on the square in Salem the day Babe arrived for the 1954 US Women's Open to be played down the street at The Salem Country Club.

When the Babe and her husband entered the lobby, the small crowd that had gathered to welcome them burst into an applause reserved only royalty or those truly loved and admired.

Peppered with "Good luck this week Babe" and "Great to have you back's" the people that gathered made it clear they wanted nothing but the best for their golfing friend.

Babe, as only she could do, chatted and joked her way about the lobby before excusing herself with her husband George and retreating to their quarters.

Lobby Hawthorne Hotel

The next day upon arrival at Salem Country Club, word spread like a fire storm, "Babe's here !" and from no where countless fans and well wishers appeared to escort their dear friend from the parking lot to the clubhouse, the range, the putting green and of course the 1st tee for the start of her practice round with husband George, Lionel MacDuff, President Salem Country Club and Joe Batchelder, General Chairman U.S. Women's Open.

Salem Country Club Entrance

MacDuff and his wife would become the Zaharias's constant companions through out their stay in Salem leaving the Babe humbled. "They have been so nice to me since I first walked on the grounds last weekend. The galleries have been as nice as any I've ever played for."

Her husband George inserted, "She never has wanted to win a tournament more then this one."

1954 United States Women's Open

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