TLS signed “Bing,” one page, 7 x 9.25, personal letterhead, February 26, 1958. Replying to a reporter, in full: “Replying to your query about a golf anecdote, I’m hopeful that the following might be useful. I was playing in the Texas Open—the first round—some years ago with a foursome including Bob Hope, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson. We had a tremendous gallery, and on the first hole I was lucky enough to hit a good tee shot, and knocked an iron shot about 3 feet from the cup. The other fellows hit the green too, but had long putts, and two-putted for orthodox par 4’s. As I lined up the putt from both sides, tested the grass, the velocity of the wind—dramatizing the situation skillfully—I went into conference with my caddy about the break of the putt, visions flitting through my mind of the happy headlines in the morning—’Crosby Opens Texas Tournament with a Sensational Birdie.’ The caddy was a tall colored fella of middle age and vast experience who, it was apparent, failed to share my zeal. ‘How do you think this putt is going to break,’ I asked him. ‘Well, Mr. Crosby, sir,’ he said, ‘Let’s go about three inches to the right, THE FIRST TIME.’ Needless to say, I didn’t make the putt—in fact, I pretty nearly three-putted. I hope this proves useful, Oscar, but if not, let me know and I can send you some others. With all best good wishes.” In fine condition, with a neatly trimmed upper edge and faint toning to lower corners from previous adhesive. RRAuction COA.
