In this age of ever-present distraction and bespoke technology waiting in our pockets at all times, it’s a challenge for brick and mortar museums to catch a visitor’s full attention.
The World Golf Hall of Fame (the star attraction of the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida) manages that feat by presenting both a welcoming historical presentation and a high-tech participatory experience. In the end, it’s a museum that even non-players can enjoy.
Also: Facing the Most Famous Hole in Golf at TPC Sawgrass
Supported by a collection of golf organizations, the World Golf Hall of Fame opened in 1998. It’s separate from the PGA (headquartered down in Palm Beach, Florida). So, the venue is unique as a museum and celebration of a sport run independently from that sport’s official governing body. The PGA has its own Hall of Fame offerings, and all parties seem to get along just fine.
It’s also unique as it includes male and female players on equal footing. In other words, Jack Nicklaus is handled with the same reverence as Nancy Lopez.
The Hall follows the game from its primitive origins in Scotland through its golden era in the 20th century with Palmer, Nicklaus and Player to the modern day. With a mix of artifacts, memorabilia, player stories, and recreations dedicated to the Majors and international tournaments, the facility covers every base — if I can mix my sports metaphors.
Most importantly, the Hall’s designers include a mix of participatory spots where visitors can “do something.” While surrounded by stillness and silence on the course, golf is still a kinetic activity. That means any museum experience must include some action.
At the Hall of Fame, folks can try a 140+ yard shot on an island hole over an unforgiving lake before entering the building. They can simulate putts that won or lost Ryder Cups. They can even play multiple holes on the world’s greatest courses on advanced golf simulators.
Below you’ll find a virtual tour of just some of the sights found inside this massive celebration of a very difficult game.
Photos by John Scott Lewinski
World Golf Hall of Fame
Featuring a complete look at the sport's history and stars, Florida's ultra-modern World Golf Hall of Fame is the ultimate salute to the great international game.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
The main tower of the World Golf Hall of Fame rises above the courses filling the World Golf Village.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
Before entering the Hall of Fame, visitors can test their skills on a 140+ yard island hole.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
Artifacts from the very founding of the game away at the World Golf Hall of Fame.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
These early clubs were designed to hit balls out of water on the moors of Scotland.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
An early wedge like this was used to hit balls out of cart tracks in muddy Scotland.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
Every entrant enshrined at the World Golf Hall of Fame picks items for his or her locker.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
Always saying he wished he could have been a pro golfer, Bob Hope sent all of his memorabilia to the World Golf Hall of Fame, not Hollywood.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
Sports writers are enshrined alongside players at the World Golf Hall of Fame.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
This crystal schulptre in the main tower of the World Golf Hall of Fame simulats the perfect swing.
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World Golf Hall of Fame, Florida
The World Golf Hall of Fame lets wannabes pretend they could play with the greats of the game.
