World Golf Village And The Hall Of Fame

Upon arriving at the Players, I was consistently asked, "why are you here?"

Can't you feel the love from my fellow members of the working press?

After rambling on about how I'd always wanted to experience golf's fifth of four majors or experiencing Jacksonville in May, I'd casually mention, "Monday I am going down to the World Golf Village."

Invariably, the reply went something like this: "Oh, which course are you playing?"

Shockingly, I was taking in the World Golf Hall of Fame and the many historical treasures on display. While warned that I would be in for a treat by those who know better, I had no concept how good the collection was and how tastefully it has been put on display.

Since I'm occasionally inclined to expect the worst, the idea of a packaged resort, conference center and Hall of Fame off of 95 and well south of Jacksonville doesn't sound entirely romantic, but everything about the complex was impressive. From the oak-lined entrance drive to the elegant trophy room atop the defining tower, the architectural master plan conveys a sense of purpose, prestige and permanence.

Bob Hope memorabilia (click to enlarge)Thanks to the WGHOF's Jane Fader, I was fortunate enough to receive a tour from Mark Cubbedge, the Manager of Collections and Research. He is armed with the task of collecting artifacts, preserving or restoring them, and displaying them for the public to enjoy. Mark has a great story behind nearly every artifact in the Hall of Fame, tales which are often lovingly printed on nice placards with items on display. You could spend hours and still find new things on return visits thanks to Mark's efforts (and some impressive financial backing from several major golf organizations and corporations, not to mention help from a volunteer force that's 200 strong).

Currently on temporary display is Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory, an exhaustive and peppy look at Hope's life and ties to golf. There's an amazing film in the special exhibit area theater, and every imaginable artifact from a life so closely tied to the game. (Did you know Bob qualified for a British Amateur?). They even have his Honorary Oscar on display.

Rembrandt at the Hall of Fame (click to enlarge)After the Hope special exhibit, you move upstairs where the heart of the collection awaits: a timeline of sorts starting at the earliest references and art tied to golf (sorry Scotland!), including a Rembrandt etching. Later on in the hall you encounter an Andy Warhol painting of Jack Nicklaus. Only golf could bring those two together under the same roof.

Chalmers survey of Old Course, 1836 (click to enlarge)The St. Andrews and Old Tom items range from a stunning 1836 survey map by W.J. Chalmers to many rarely seen images of the course, town and early greats of the game. Even more impressive was the interactive video allowing you to see highlights of any Open Championship covered by film. I could make a day out of that alone.

The collection zig zags in the upper corridors, with all sorts of fun little nooks and crannies that, like a great golf course routing, keeps you in anticipation of more fun surprises. There's the Swilcan Bridge replica for the inevitable photograph waving like Arnie or Jack, a faux green where you can use guttas and hickories to putt on an early 20th century green and plenty of other displays showing off a fantastic early club collection.

It all builds toward the players wing, where you arrive at the grand Shell Hall, highlighted by the shiny bronze "reliefs" displaying the Hall of Famers. Across from there, visitors get to take in memorabilia collected from the HOF's latest entrants (or their families, or in many cases, collectors). Currently there are wonderful displays of items pertaining to Herbert Warren Wind, Pete Dye, Carol Semple Thompson, Bob Charles, Craig Wood and Denny Shute memorabilia, including Pete's beloved copy of MacKenzie's Golf Architecture featuring Pete's notice to anyone who should find the book: a lavish $20 reward.

I will spare you anymore blow-by-blow accounts and just share some images. However, if you are in the area or wavering about going, don't. Just go. The World Golf Hall of Fame is a must for anyone who loves the game.

Early view of St. Andrews No. 18 before the R&A clubhouse was built

Denny Shute's USGA medals (check out that great old USGA logo!)Watercolor of C.B. Macdonald receiving the first U.S. Amateur trophy.

MacKenzie's Pasatiempo drawings on displayAn incredibly rare MacKenzie booklet on Camouflage
Remnant of a Nicklaus exhibition: photo and replica of his dad's drugstore