The World Golf Hall of Fame is leaving its longtime home in St. Augustine, Florida, to become part of a new complex in North Carolina established by the United States Golf Association.
The USGA is developing Golf House Pinehurst, making it a natural fit for the two organizations to combine their stories of the game in a single location, officials believe.
“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,” Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, said in a statement. “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 hall of fame has called St. Augustine home for nearly 30 years, giving golf fans a chance to view some of the artifacts and belongings of the game’s greats, as well as the plaques and stories of the game’s legends.
It has been the site for the annual induction of new members into the hall, but that will now change. In both 2024 and 2029, the ceremonies will take place in North Carolina in conjunction with the U.S. Open, being held on Pinehurst No. 2 those years.
“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,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
He called the move an “exciting new opportunity,” and noted the hall originated in Pinehurst before the move to Florida.
“Simply put, it just makes sense,” Whan said. “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.”
The hall of fame will relocate many of its current displays to Pinehurst. The USGA will house its collection on the first floor, and the hall will create a second-story locker room.
Among the items planned for the initial display:
- Johnny Miller’s clubs, ball, and gold medal from the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he shot a record 63 in the final round
- The shirt worn by Annika Sorenstam in the first round of the 2003 Colonial, where she became the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since 1945
- Compass, slide rule, and bifocals used by course architect Donald Ross
- Jack Nicklaus’s MacGregor golf bag from the 1965 Masters
- The golf bag and clubs used by Lorena Ochoa to win the 2008 British Women’s Open, her first major victory
- A Spalding 2-wood used by Bobby Jones
- A wedge used by Seve Ballesteros to win the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, his first of five major titles
- The 1922 PGA Championship trophy and 1935 Masters champion plaque from Gene Sarazen, the first player to complete the professional career Grand Slam
The USGA broke ground on its 6-acre Golf House Pinehurst campus in June.
“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,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
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