The best way to beat the expected June heat during U.S. Open week at Pinehurst Resort might a trip down memory lane.
The USGA Experience and the newest edition of the World Golf Hall of Fame opened in May on the Golf House Pinehurst campus, across from Pinehurst Country Club, only a mid-iron from Pinehurst No. 2.
The United States Golf Association, on seven acres provided by Pinehurst Resort, has built twin, two-story (air-conditioned) buildings that opened this spring.
The North building (pictured) will house 65 USGA employees whose duties include equipment testing.
The South building is home to the the USGA Experience on the first floor and the World Golf Hall of Fame upstairs. Both are open to the public and admission is free of charge during June. The USGA had announced it would have an unspecified admission charge in the future.
At the USGA Experience America’s golf governing body displays its efforts to unify, showcase, govern and advance the game. Designed by Luci Creative, the Science of Golf and Championship galleries feature interactive multimedia displays that incorporate augmented reality, interactive touch screens, sculptures and trophies.
The Hall of Fame includes an outdoor deck looking out at Pinehurst Country Club.
The Hall of Fame, moved from St. Augustine, Florida, and housed behind the fourth green on Pinehurst No. 2 from 1974-1983, features the top players in the sport’s history in a locker room format.
The displays 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
