Oct. 22, 2004 – World Golf Hall of Fame and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have agreed to join forces in the development of an exhibit that further tells the history of The R & A, its role as a governing body of golf and the history of The Open Championship.
The exhibit will be located permanently at the Hall of Fame, which is based at St Augustine, Florida, USA. The R&A has been a Supporting Organisation and member of the Hall of Fame’s Advisory Board since its inception and this marks the first time the two organizations will collaborate on an exhibit.
“We are grateful for The R&A’s support in helping us deepen the story of golf’s fascinating beginnings for guests of the World Golf Hall of Fame,” said Jack Peter, Chief Operating Officer of the Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame is a truly worldwide collaborative effort.”
Peter Lewis, Golf Heritage Secretary of The R&A, said: “The World Golf Hall of Fame is doing a great job of giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the game’s history and the greatest legends—the Hall of Fame members—who made the sport what it is today. We are delighted with the opportunity to expand the museum’s coverage of golf’s history and The R&A’s role.”
The first part of the exhibit is scheduled to be complete in November 2004 and the display will reach its final form in January 2005. It will remain part of a permanent display. The exhibit will include a comprehensive account of The Open Championship, golf’s longest-running major tournament, and an opportunity for guests to read extracts from some of the 18th and 19th century minute books and the first 100 years of the Rules of Golf.
The exhibit will be complete with the existing replica of the Swilcan Burn Bridge surrounded by a massive diorama of the Old Course at St Andrews, giving visitors the opportunity to capture a keepsake photo of others in their party crossing the bridge.
In addition, the World Golf Hall of Fame will work with the British Golf Museum to develop an exhibit that provides information about the Hall of Fame and its members to guests visiting the British Golf Museum, which is located adjacent to the famed Royal & Ancient Clubhouse at St Andrews.
The World Golf Hall of Fame is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. For more information about the museum or adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, call (+1) 904-940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.
