World Golf Hall Of Fame's "Physical Presence" Headed Back To Pinehurst In USGA Collaboration

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The World Golf Hall of Fame is going back to where it all started in conjunction with the USGA. This news also marks the end of the St. Augustine location (at least as far as the Hall goes). Then gagg

USGA, World Golf Hall of Fame Collaborate to Showcase  Golf’s Legendary Figures at Golf House Pinehurst 

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies to be held at Pinehurst Resort & C.C. in 2024, 2029

VILLAGE of PINEHURST, N.C., and ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (July 20, 2022) – Building on their longstanding partnership and shared passion to elevate the stories of golf’s legends, the USGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame will create a new visitor experience at the USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus, opening in 2024. In doing so, the Hall of Fame will relocate its physical presence from St. Augustine to North Carolina. 

Additionally, World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held in Pinehurst in 2024 and 2029, to coincide with the 124th U.S. Open on Pinehurst No. 2 (2024), and the return of back-to-back U.S. Women’s Open Presented by ProMedica and U.S. Open Championships, also on Course No. 2 (2029). The first-ever back-to-back U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Open were contested in 2014.

“There’s no better connection to golf’s past, present and future than Pinehurst, and no organization that works harder than the USGA to preserve the history of this great game. We look forward to celebrating the greatest moments, and golf’s greatest athletes, by including the World Golf Hall of Fame as an important part of our new Pinehurst home,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Simply put – it just makes sense, and together with the Hall of Fame, we’re more committed than ever to delivering experiences that build even deeper connections between golf fans and those who have truly led the way in this great game.”

“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “Much like the USGA, the Hall of Fame is committed to connecting with fans around the world to highlight the greatest moments and legends of the sport. This expanded partnership will create an exciting new opportunity in Pinehurst – where the Hall of Fame originated – to celebrate Hall of Fame members and their contributions to golf.”

Many of the most cherished items in the Hall of Fame’s existing collection will be relocated to Pinehurst for the creation of a new Hall of Fame locker room, which will come to life on the second floor of the USGA Experience building. The result will be a seamless visitor journey from the USGA Experience galleries on the first floor to the second, showcasing the incredible talents of golf’s many contributors and their lasting impact on the game. 

The USGA will be responsible for day-to-day operations, management and artifact preservation related to the World Golf Hall of Fame displays, as well as the content, presentation and overall look and feel of the visitor experience. The association will leverage the assets of its USGA Golf Museum and Library – the most comprehensive collection of golf artifacts worldwide – to augment the visitor experience.

The Hall of Fame will continue to operate as an independent organization as part of the World Golf Foundation, serving as the sole administrator of the Hall of Fame induction (process, criteria and ceremony). The Hall of Fame also will collaborate with the USGA on digital and interactive content that celebrates Hall of Fame members and complements the artifacts on display.

“I’m confident today’s announcement and alignment with the USGA will further cement the long-term relevance and viability of the World Golf Hall of Fame, all while continuing to honor golf’s most storied individuals and artifacts,” said Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR and Chairman, World Golf Foundation. “Both organizations are committed to prioritizing the preservation of golf history, which will serve fans well in the years to come.”

Artifacts from Hall of Fame inductees to be displayed in Pinehurst include:

  • Johnny Miller’s clubs, ball and champion’s gold medal from the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he shot a record 63 in the final round

  • Shirt worn by Annika Sorenstam in the first round of the 2003 Colonial, becoming the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since 1945

  • Compass, slide rule and bifocals used by Donald Ross

  • Jack Nicklaus’ MacGregor golf bag from the 1965 Masters

  • Golf bag and clubs used by Lorena Ochoa to win the 2008 British Women’s Open, her first major victory

  • Spalding 2-wood used by Bob Jones

  • Wedge used by Seve Ballesteros to win the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, his first of five major titles

  • 1922 PGA Championship trophy and 1935 Masters champion plaque from Gene Sarazen, the first player to complete the professional career Grand Slam

The World Golf Hall of Fame was founded in Pinehurst in 1974 and was operated by the resort’s management company until 1983, when ownership was transferred to the PGA of America. It moved in 1998 to its current facility in St. Augustine. The World Golf Hall of Fame’s St. Augustine location will close in late 2023 at the conclusion of its long-term lease of the property.

“The Hall of Fame has the utmost appreciation for the support it has received from the state of Florida – as well as the Northeast Florida community – over the past two-plus decades,” said McLaughlin. “While the Hall of Fame is looking forward to this exciting new opportunity at Golf House Pinehurst, we will reflect fondly on the memories created across nearly 25 years in St. Augustine.”

The USGA broke ground on its six-acre Golf House Pinehurst campus last month, located on Carolina Vista Drive on the Pinehurst Resort & C.C. property. It is the latest commitment by the USGA to enhance the region’s stature as the “Home of American Golf” and to more deeply invest in North Carolina.

"North Carolina is home to legendary golf courses and it makes perfect sense to have the World Golf Hall of Fame presence here in Pinehurst," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Golf brings communities together, increases tourism and creates good jobs, and I’m excited to continue working with the USGA to grow the game and our economy here in North Carolina.”

The USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus vision has come to life through state and community-based partnerships, with significant funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and Economic Development programs. The North Carolina General Assembly recently awarded the USGA $7 million toward the World Golf Hall of Fame project.

“From the moment I learned of the possibility that the World Golf Hall of Fame might be moving its artifacts to Pinehurst, I have been beside myself with excitement. This will prove to be one of our greatest accomplishments in the game of golf on a worldwide basis,” said N.C. State Sen. Tom McInnis. “I am ecstatic that the fruits of our labor to crown Pinehurst as the Home of American Golf will continue to move forward. The return of the World Golf Hall of Fame’s presence will be a forever event for our community and the state of North Carolina. I applaud the United States Golf Association for its vision to continue to make Pinehurst the ultimate American golf destination."

The USGA Golf Museum and Library is the nation’s first sports museum and the world’s leading institution for the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of golf history. The collections serve as the foundation of the USGA’s diverse roles, services, and initiatives.

Quadrilateral: Cam Smith Wins The 150th Open

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It’s a wrap from St Andrews!

Australian Cam Smith records a stunning 64 over the Old Course at St Andrews to beat Cameron Young by one. Rory McIlroy hits 18 greens but can only post 70.

A recap from on site, plus Smith’s LIV response after a week of rumors he’s going, Quotes, Notes, Anecdotes, Tweets and By the Numbers. Hope you enjoy as much as I did being in St Andrews for the 150th!

Tiger On LIV Defectors: "They've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position"

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Strong words from Tiger Woods ahead of The Open. On players who have left for the LIV Golf circuit:

I think that what they've done is they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.

Some players have never got a chance to even experience it. They've gone right from the amateur ranks right into that organisation and never really got a chance to play out here and what it feels like to play a TOUR schedule or to play in some big events.

And who knows what's going to happen in the near future with world-ranking points, the criteria for entering major championships. The governing body is going to have to figure that out.

Some of these players may not ever get a chance to play in major championships. That is a possibility. We don't know that for sure yet. It's up to all the major championship bodies to make that determination. But that is a possibility, that some players will never, ever get a chance to play in a major championship, never get a chance to experience this right here, walk down the fairways at Augusta National.

That, to me, I just don't understand it. I understand what Jack and Arnold did because playing professional golf at a TOUR level versus a club pro is different, and I understand that transition and that move and the recognition that a touring pro versus a club pro is.

But what these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practise? What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt? You're just getting paid a lot of money up front and playing a few events and playing 54 holes. They're playing blaring music and have all these atmospheres that are different.

I just don't see how, out of 54 holes -- I can understand 54 holes is almost like a mandate when you get to the Senior Tour. The guys are little bit older and a little more banged up. But when you're at this young age and some of these kids -- they really are kids who have gone from amateur golf into that organisation -- 72-hole tests are part of it. We used to have 36-hole playoffs for major championships. That's how it used to be -- 18-hole U.S. Open playoffs.

I just don't see how that move is positive in the long term for a lot of these players, especially if the LIV organisation doesn't get world-ranking points and the major championships change their criteria for entering the events.

It would be sad to see some of these young kids never get a chance to experience it and experience what we've got a chance to experience and walk these hallowed grounds and play in these championships.