Saturday, November 19, 2011

A visitor's guide to the World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, FL

Over the years golf has become one of the most popular sports. Many people regularly play the game themselves, as well as watch the professionals going about their business in the many tournaments that are held each season. Over the years there have been many golfers that have excelled in the game. If you want to find out about some of the stars that reached the very top of the game, a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame is a way to do this. This museum celebrates the greats of the sport and whether you are golf fan or not it can be a great place to visit.

The World Golf Hall of Fame is currently located in St. Augustine in Florida and has a history that dates back to 1974. When it was originally established it was located in Pinehurst, North Carolina and run by a local board of directors. However it eventually came under the control of the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA) and moved to its present location in 1998. The Hall of Fame honors both male and female golfers and 13 golfers were inducted in the year of opening. Amongst these were some of the greats of the game including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Same Snead, Gene Sarazen and Patty Berg. 

Each year the Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony at which further golfing greats are admitted membership. Golfers from the PGA tour, LPGA tour and international tours are eligible for selection as long as the meet the minimum criteria required. The number granted membership each year varies, with between 2 and 8 generally being admitted. These are introduced at a ceremony held around May each year. From the original 13 players inducted in 1974, the membership has grown to more than 130.
The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at One World Golf Place in St Augustine, Florida and is open year round. The hours of operations are 10.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12.00pm to 6.00pm on Sunday. The cost of entry is $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for Seniors and students and $8 for children aged 5 to 12. The Hall of Fame has both permanent displays and a program of temporary exhibitions and some of the things you can view on a visit include the following.

Championship Moments Theatre
This is a short 10 minute film showing some of the greatest golfing moments over the years. This includes some of the best winning shots, iconic moments and dramatic endings in tournament golf. It includes the play of many of the members inducted into the Hall of Fame, with the likes of Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson being featured.

Recent Inductee Exhibition
Each year a new group of golfers are admitted to the Hall of Fame and this exhibition shows details of their achievements and some of the significant golfing moments from their careers.

Wall of Fame
This is one of the central features in the World Golf Hall of Fame. It is an 88 foot long wall which features a brass plaque of each of the golfers inducted into the Hall of Fame with details of their careers and the wins they achieved.

Golf around the World
This is a golf course simulator which lets you have a try at playing some of the most famous golf holes around the world. Using real clubs you can try your luck at some of the most iconic holes in world golf.

Members Locker Room
This display has authentic golf lockers featuring memorabilia supplied by the golfers who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is an ever changing display and shows little details and stories from some of the best golfers ever to play the game.

Walk of Champions
If you fancy a little fresh air, the Walk of Champions is the exhibit to view. It is a quarter of a mile walkway surrounding a lake which includes granite slabs with authentic signatures of the Hall of Fame members.
These and the other exhibits at the World Golf Hall of Fame make it a great place to have a day out. There is plenty to do and see and if you are a golfing fan it is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Even if golf is not your thing, it is still an excellent museum to visit and learn about some of the great sportsmen and women who have become famous names in America as well as around the rest of the world. If you are ever in St Augustine in Florida the World Golf Hall of Fame is a definite must-see while you are there.
For further details check out http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/

No comments:

Post a Comment