ST. AUGUSTINE (Florida) — In less than a month, the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum will close its doors permanently. This leaves the question of what to do with Museum assets other that the lockers and the contents.
Pinehurst will accept items including Gene Sarazen’s 1922 PGA Championship trophy and 1935 Masters Championship trophy; Jack Nicklaus’ MacGregor bag, which he used to win the 1965 Masters; Johnny Miller’s clubs, gold medal and ball from the 1973 U.S. Open in Oakmont (where he shot a world record 63 on the final round); Seve Balesteros’ wedge he wore when he won his first of five majors in 1979 at the Open Championship; and Annika Sorensta
There are also about 7,500 items that have been donated or on loan to the Hall of Fame. McLaughlin stated that the offer to return items was extended to Hall of Fame living members and their families, but some members chose to send them elsewhere.
- Curtis Strange, a two-time U.S. Open winner, has requested that his donations be sent to Wake Forest University.
- Western Golf Association will receive items belonging to Chick Evan.
- Augusta National accepts memorabilia related to founder Clifford Roberts.
- The USGA Sports Management Program at Southern Methodist University received more than 3,000 books.
McLaughlin stated that “we have not had any trouble finding a place for the majority of assets.” “We hope to eventually find a place for everything.”
Six days after the last visitor has left the building, the daunting task begins.
The First Coast’s golf history will close in St. Augustine at that time, followed by Pinehurst’s Hall of Fame mulligan.