Last Update :7/20/2022

World Golf Hall of Fame moving back to Pinehurst at new site

World Golf Hall of Fame moving back to Pinehurst at new site

By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

PINEHURST, N.C. — The World Golf Hall of Fame is leaving Florida and returning to North Carolina.

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, Florida. 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 World Golf Hall of Fame will stage two induction ceremonies in Pinehurst during the U.S. Open weeks in 2024 and 2029.

“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 of the World Golf Foundation. “Both organizations are committed to prioritizing the preservation of golf history, which will serve fans well in the years to come.”

“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,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan in a news release. “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.”

The move to North Carolina will include relocating some of the artifacts from the St. Augustine location. Many of the most cherished items in the Hall of Fame’s existing collection will get 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.

Some of the artifacts 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

“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,” Whan said.

In June, the USGA broke ground on its six-acre Golf House Pinehurst campus. The USGA is headquartered in Far Hills, New Jersey.

“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” said World Golf Hall of Fame CEO Greg McLaughlin in the release. “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.”

The USGA will be responsible for day-to-day operations, management and artifact preservation related to the World Golf Hall of Fame displays. Also, the USGA will be responsible for the content, presentation and overall look and feel of the visitor experience.

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