Last Update :3/13/2018

Stories Told Brilliantly at New Hall of History

Stories Told Brilliantly at New Hall of History

The Take by Ron Green Jr.

 

SOUTHERN PINES, NORTH CAROLINA | For all the soul-tugging spots that give golf in the Carolinas its sense of place – from the back porch at Biltmore Forest Country Club to the Tiger Paw bunkers at Clemson’s Walker Course to all of the first tees scattered across the two states – it’s the people who truly have brought the game to life here.

From Richard Tufts’ Pinehurst dream to E. Harvie Ward’s brilliance to Beth Daniel’s virtuosity, the game runs deep and wide through the region, threading together a story that binds tens of thousands across generations.

Finally, there is a place where the story is compiled.

The new Xan Law Jr. Hall of History at the Carolinas Golf Association offices adjacent to the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club is where it all comes together, a museum that celebrates the men and women and their moments, giving depth and texture to the game and its story .

The Hall of History, named for the charming Charlotte man who loved golf and life like few others, officially opened Feb. 10 in conjunction with Carolinas Golf Night. It is open to the public at no cost from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on days when the CGA offices are open.

If you’re in the area, it’s worth taking a few minutes to stroll through the halls, checking out the handsome displays that tell the story they are celebrating.

“To me, it’s like finding your family genealogy,” said Jack Nance, the executive director of the Carolinas Golf Association. “We had always heard about bits and pieces of the CGA history through the years but we didn’t have it all together.

“It’s like finding out who you are and where you’re from. You realize the impact of Carolinas golf not just around here but throughout the world. The community has been great to donate these things and help us bring all of it together.”

Upon entering the Hall, the scope of the game’s place in the Carolinas’ history is captured immediately with a mural that shows participants in the first Carolinas Amateur championship played in 1910 at Sans Souci in Greenville, S. C. – won by Berrien Brooks of Columbia, S. C., who beat F.M. Laxton of Charlotte, 2 and 1, if you’re wondering.

Another large mural celebrates women in the game, featuring a decades-old photograph of Tin Whistles members gathered for an event.

 

It’s like finding out who you are and where you’re from. You realize the impact of Carolinas golf not just around here but throughout the world.

JACK NANCE

 

Among the most popular features will be an interactive kiosk that details the history of a rich and deep tournament schedule through the years. Wondering what happened in the 1973 North Carolina junior boys championship? You will be able to find it at the kiosk.

It even will include pairings from various events through the years and if your only CGA claim to fame is having played in one event at some point, the goal is that you will be able to look it up at the kiosk.

There are areas dedicated to the game’s leaders through the years, influential administrators such as P. J. Boatwright, Clyde Mangum, Dillard Pruitt and Mark Russell, among others, as well as a recognition of influential members of the media through the years. Take a look at a typewriter used by the legendary Bob Drum and get a sense of the storytellers who have documented the game.

The best parts, though, are the displays dedicated to the men and women who have distinguished themselves through the years.

There are moments big and small – Doc Redman’s 2017 U.S. Amateur trophy occupies a prominent place at the moment, as does Hilary Lunke’s scorecard from her qualifying round at Woodside Plantation that sent her on her way to the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open title.

Photos recognize Webb Simpson, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson and Raymond Floyd as U.S. Open champions from the Carolinas.

Remember the 6-iron Johnson hit into the 72nd green to secure his U.S. Open victory at Oakmont in 2016? It’s hanging in a display cabinet along with a putter Bill Harvey used in the Walker Cup, a wedge from Ben Hogan, who won his first professional event at the 1940 North & South Open, the driver Lucas Glover used in his U.S. Open win at Bethpage Black and Paul Simson’s magic wand, the putter he used to win more than 20 CGA events.

Charlie Sixord and Jim Thorpe are recognized for their significant contributions. There is also a locker display featuring memorabilia from Ward, Peggy Kirk Bell and Billy Joe Patton. You will come away talking about Ward’s shoes that are on display.

In the Michael Dann Library just ox the Hall, there is a collection of letters written by famous figures through the years including a long one from Jack Nicklaus.  The best, though, is a letter from Bobby Jones inviting legendary administrator Ike Grainger to join Augusta National.

The Xan Law Jr. Hall of History is that kind of a place, where the game and its people and its stories are appropriately celebrated.

[ More News ]