World Golf Hall Of Fame's "Physical Presence" Headed Back To Pinehurst In USGA Collaboration

The World Golf Hall of Fame is going back to where it all started in conjunction with the USGA. This news also marks the end of the St. Augustine location (at least as far as the Hall goes). Then gagg

USGA, World Golf Hall of Fame Collaborate to Showcase  Golf’s Legendary Figures at Golf House Pinehurst 

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies to be held at Pinehurst Resort & C.C. in 2024, 2029

VILLAGE of PINEHURST, N.C., and ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (July 20, 2022) – Building on their longstanding partnership and shared passion to elevate the stories of golf’s legends, the USGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame will create a new visitor experience at the USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus, opening in 2024. In doing so, the Hall of Fame will relocate its physical presence from St. Augustine to North Carolina. 

Additionally, World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held in Pinehurst in 2024 and 2029, to coincide with the 124th U.S. Open on Pinehurst No. 2 (2024), and the return of back-to-back U.S. Women’s Open Presented by ProMedica and U.S. Open Championships, also on Course No. 2 (2029). The first-ever back-to-back U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Open were contested in 2014.

“There’s no better connection to golf’s past, present and future than Pinehurst, and no organization that works harder than the USGA to preserve the history of this great game. We look forward to celebrating the greatest moments, and golf’s greatest athletes, by including the World Golf Hall of Fame as an important part of our new Pinehurst home,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Simply put – it just makes sense, and together with the Hall of Fame, we’re more committed than ever to delivering experiences that build even deeper connections between golf fans and those who have truly led the way in this great game.”

“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “Much like the USGA, the Hall of Fame is committed to connecting with fans around the world to highlight the greatest moments and legends of the sport. This expanded partnership will create an exciting new opportunity in Pinehurst – where the Hall of Fame originated – to celebrate Hall of Fame members and their contributions to golf.”

Many of the most cherished items in the Hall of Fame’s existing collection will be relocated to Pinehurst for the creation of a new Hall of Fame locker room, which will come to life on the second floor of the USGA Experience building. The result will be a seamless visitor journey from the USGA Experience galleries on the first floor to the second, showcasing the incredible talents of golf’s many contributors and their lasting impact on the game. 

The USGA will be responsible for day-to-day operations, management and artifact preservation related to the World Golf Hall of Fame displays, as well as the content, presentation and overall look and feel of the visitor experience. The association will leverage the assets of its USGA Golf Museum and Library – the most comprehensive collection of golf artifacts worldwide – to augment the visitor experience.

The Hall of Fame will continue to operate as an independent organization as part of the World Golf Foundation, serving as the sole administrator of the Hall of Fame induction (process, criteria and ceremony). The Hall of Fame also will collaborate with the USGA on digital and interactive content that celebrates Hall of Fame members and complements the artifacts on display.

“I’m confident today’s announcement and alignment with the USGA will further cement the long-term relevance and viability of the World Golf Hall of Fame, all while continuing to honor golf’s most storied individuals and artifacts,” said Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR and Chairman, World Golf Foundation. “Both organizations are committed to prioritizing the preservation of golf history, which will serve fans well in the years to come.”

Artifacts from Hall of Fame inductees to be displayed in Pinehurst 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

The World Golf Hall of Fame was founded in Pinehurst in 1974 and was operated by the resort’s management company until 1983, when ownership was transferred to the PGA of America. It moved in 1998 to its current facility in St. Augustine. The World Golf Hall of Fame’s St. Augustine location will close in late 2023 at the conclusion of its long-term lease of the property.

“The Hall of Fame has the utmost appreciation for the support it has received from the state of Florida – as well as the Northeast Florida community – over the past two-plus decades,” said McLaughlin. “While the Hall of Fame is looking forward to this exciting new opportunity at Golf House Pinehurst, we will reflect fondly on the memories created across nearly 25 years in St. Augustine.”

The USGA broke ground on its six-acre Golf House Pinehurst campus last month, located on Carolina Vista Drive on the Pinehurst Resort & C.C. property. It is the latest commitment by the USGA to enhance the region’s stature as the “Home of American Golf” and to more deeply invest in North Carolina.

"North Carolina is home to legendary golf courses and it makes perfect sense to have the World Golf Hall of Fame presence here in Pinehurst," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Golf brings communities together, increases tourism and creates good jobs, and I’m excited to continue working with the USGA to grow the game and our economy here in North Carolina.”

The USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus vision has come to life through state and community-based partnerships, with significant funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and Economic Development programs. The North Carolina General Assembly recently awarded the USGA $7 million toward the World Golf Hall of Fame project.

“From the moment I learned of the possibility that the World Golf Hall of Fame might be moving its artifacts to Pinehurst, I have been beside myself with excitement. This will prove to be one of our greatest accomplishments in the game of golf on a worldwide basis,” said N.C. State Sen. Tom McInnis. “I am ecstatic that the fruits of our labor to crown Pinehurst as the Home of American Golf will continue to move forward. The return of the World Golf Hall of Fame’s presence will be a forever event for our community and the state of North Carolina. I applaud the United States Golf Association for its vision to continue to make Pinehurst the ultimate American golf destination."

The USGA Golf Museum and Library is the nation’s first sports museum and the world’s leading institution for the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of golf history. The collections serve as the foundation of the USGA’s diverse roles, services, and initiatives.

"Woods closes out one chapter, will he write another?"

Strong stuff here from AP’s Jim Litke on Tiger Woods going into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The best ones have the hardest time letting go. Woods wouldn’t be the first G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All-Time) to push the envelope.

“One day you might look up and see me playing the game at 50,” is how Michael Jordan ended his Hall of Fame induction speech. Knowing laughs erupted on every side of him.

“Oh don’t laugh,” he said. “Never say never.”

Woods can’t walk a golf course at the moment, so he eschewed empty boasts or self-deprecating jokes, and it’s hard to imagine he would show up at the first tee just for the sake of playing. But Jordan and Jack Nicklaus and even Muhammad Ali said almost the same thing and all of them came back in search of one more transcendent run, one more moment when they felt like the king of the world.

“I was never going to be denied,” Woods said around mid-speech Wednesday night, recalling the moment he’d inherited his father’s passion for the game. “I loved it. I had this burning desire to be able to express myself in this game of golf.”

A plaque isn’t going to change that.

Quadrilateral: Major(s) News And Notes, March 10th, 2022

This week’s free Thursday edition features a Golf Hall Of Fame wrap and links. Tiger and Susie Maxwell Berning stole the show with their speeches, while Judy Rankin and Sam Woods delivered fantastic intros.

Plus, is Augusta getting widened? The 150th ticket exchange goes live, Peacock will make money despite a high churn rate that will likely be mimicked by golf fans this summer and a neat bit of Brookline history. Oh and some links to good reading as well.

You can read more about The Quadrilateral here.

You can subscribe here.

Video: Tiger Woods' World Golf Hall Of Fame Induction Speech

An emotional speech from the get-go focused on his early past far more than his adult years. Undoubtedly proud beyond words after daughter Sam’s lovely introduction, Woods paid tribute to his parents and the people who helped him early in his career. He even thanks all the great caddies. There’s hope Stevie!

What I loved most? That it was a bit disjointed and all over the place, but the memories and anecdotes shared were from the heart.

Marion! Tiger! Trying To Get Excited About The WGHOF Ceremony...

…and failing.

Of course I blame Tim Finchem. My latest Quadrilateral with a healthy preview for all.

But at least Marion Hollins is going in and Tiger should be interesting.

WGHOF Ceremony Details: Judy Rankin, Davis Love, Sam Woods Serving As Presenters

Wednesday’s induction ceremony is set for Jacksonville International’s Terminal A, aka the Global Home, with a one surprise presenter (Sam Woods for Tiger Woods) and one total non-surprise (Davis Love for Tim Finchem).

The key details, including a new “trophy” for the World Golf Hall of Fame inductees made by Tiffany & Co. The ceremony will be carried live on Golf Channel at 7 pm ET:

World Golf Hall of Fame Announces Presenters for 2022 Inductee Class:

2022 Inductee, Susie Maxwell Berning (Judy Rankin)

2022 Inductee, Tim Finchem (Davis Love III)

2022 Inductee, Tiger Woods (Sam Woods)

Induction Ceremony to Air Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET (Live on Golf Channel) and

Feature New Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Trophy Designed by Tiffany & Co.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2022) – The World Golf Hall of Fame has announced the individuals who will serve as speech presenters for the 2022 inductee class during Wednesday evening’s live ceremony airing at 7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel:

• 2022 inductee – Susie Maxwell Berning (Presenter: Judy Rankin, Hall of Fame member)

• 2022 inductee – Tim Finchem (Presenter: Davis Love III, Hall of Fame member)

• 2022 inductee – Tiger Woods (Presenter: Sam Woods, daughter)

• *Marion Hollins will be recognized posthumously as the fourth member of the 2022 class*.

Emmy-nominated golf personality David Feherty will serve as host of the live ceremony, which will take place on the eve of THE PLAYERS Championship and originate from the PGA TOUR’s ‘Global Home’ headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

The addition of these four individuals will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 164.

In addition to honoring the 2022 induction class, the ceremony will recognize Peter Ueberroth and the late Dick Ferris, as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement to honor their contributions to the sport. Renee Powell also will be honored for her spirit in advancing diversity in golf, as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company. 

Sanford Health, Kohler Co., Southern Company and Rolex each will serve as official partners of the 2022 induction. As part of the ceremony, the Hall of Fame also will publicly display its iconic new induction trophy for the first time. Designed by Tiffany & Co., the arc of the trophy handle embodies the golf swing and represents the global nature of the sport.

The ceremony will take place in Northeast Florida for the first time since 2013, with most recent ceremonies held in California (2019), New York (2017) and Scotland (2015).

World Golf Hall of Fame 2022 Induction Class

Susie Maxwell Berning (Competitor)

Despite not taking up golf until age 15, Susie Maxwell Berning quickly took to the sport. Upon turning professional in 1964, she earned LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors. An 11-time LPGA winner, she also captured four major championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open three times (1968, ’72, ’73). She remains one of only six women to have won the U.S. Women’s Open on at least three separate occasions.

Tim Finchem (Contributor)

While commissioner, Tim Finchem worked to ensure that giving back was part of the fabric of the PGA TOUR’s business model – as evidenced by the TOUR and its tournaments raising more than $2 billion in charitable contributions during his tenure. He also was instrumental in founding the First Tee to empower kids with life skills through golf, and he led the creation and execution efforts around signature pillars in professional golf, including the FedExCup, FedExCup Playoffs and the Presidents Cup.

Marion Hollins (Contributor)

A visionary golf course developer/architect, Marion Hollins became a pioneer of the sport. A standout golfer who won the 1921 U.S. Women’s Amateur, she would shift her attention by contributing to the development of the Monterey Peninsula into a golf mecca. She made significant contributions to Cypress Point Club, and then founded and oversaw the development of Pasatiempo Golf Club. Later – in collaboration with Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie – she provided her influence on the development of Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods (Competitor)

Over the course of his career Tiger Woods has won a record-tying 82 PGA TOUR events, along with 15 major championships. Unforgettably, Woods accomplished the “Tiger Slam” in 2000-’01, becoming the first golfer since Bobby Jones (1930) to hold all four major titles at one time. He also is a two-time winner of THE PLAYERS Championship and became the first two-time winner of the FedExCup. Outside the ropes, Woods’ TGR Foundation has supported more than two million students around the world.

The 2022 WGHOF Ceremony Coming To The Global Home

Foster and Partners

Even though the World Golf Hall of Fame is just down 95, the 2022 induction ceremony will be in the house that Tiger built. That’s Terminal C for cult with a name ripped from the pages of L. Ron Hubbard.

For Immediate Speculation About What Becomes Of The current World Golf Hall of Fame:

World Golf Hall of Fame Announces that 2022 Induction Ceremony

(Wednesday, March 9) to Take Place at PGA TOUR’s ‘Global Home’

Live Ceremony to Feature Newest Inductee Class – Competitors Susie Maxwell

Berning & Tiger Woods Along with Contributors Tim Finchem & Marion Hollins

Hall of Fame to Unveil New 2022 Inductee Exhibit on Saturday (Dec. 4),

Showcasing Historic Artifacts from Woods, Maxwell Berning, Finchem and Hollins

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2021) – The World Golf Hall of Fame and the PGA TOUR today announced that the 2022 induction ceremony – honoring the newest class of Hall of Fame members – will be staged at the PGA TOUR’s ‘Global Home’ corporate headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Taking place during THE PLAYERS Championship, the induction ceremony will air live on Golf Channel on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. ET.

“We are excited to conduct the Hall of Fame’s 2022 induction ceremony in partnership with the PGA TOUR at their new Global Home,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “It will serve as an exciting venue for a historic evening among those in attendance, as well as those tuning in from around the world on the eve of THE PLAYERS Championship.”

The induction ceremony in March will center around the newest Hall of Fame class: competitors Susie Maxwell Berning and Tiger Woods, along with contributors Tim Finchem and the late Marion Hollins.

On Saturday (Dec. 4), the Hall of Fame will unveil a new exhibit dedicated to celebrating the 2022 class. On display will be personal items and artifacts from the new inductees, including trophies and memorabilia collected during their respective careers. The addition of these four individuals will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 164.

In addition to honoring the four newest Hall of Fame members, the induction ceremony in March also will recognize Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth, as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement award for their contributions to the sport. Additionally, Renee Powell will be honored for her spirit in advancing diversity in golf, as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company.

The ceremony will take place in Northeast Florida for the first time since 2013, with most recent ceremonies held in California (2019), New York (2017) and Scotland (2015).

WGHOF Adds "Charlie Sifford Award" For Advancing Diversity

Instead of reevaluating the criteria for the World Golf Hall of Fame or starting wings, yet another “award” has been created in advance of this year’s induction ceremony. The seemingly sudden news of a Charlie Sifford award comes on top of a lame “lifetime achievement” award created for this year so that Tim Finchem can go in with old boys club cronies like Dick Ferris. Yack. A check signers and the guy who testified against Casey Martin after Finchem took him all the way to the Supreme Court. And they wonder why no one cares about the Hall?

That said, it’s nice whenever Renee Powell is honored and we’ll leave it there…

World Golf Hall of Fame Announces Creation of ‘Charlie Sifford Award’ for Advancing Diversity in Golf Renee Powell to be First Recipient

Southern Company to Serve as Presenting Sponsor of Charlie Sifford Award

Powell to Receive Award as Part of Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in March

 ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2021) – The World Golf Hall of Fame announced the creation of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company, which will honor recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf. Today marks the anniversary of when Sifford was inducted into the Hall of Fame (2004). The inaugural recipient of the award is Renee Powell, who will be recognized as part of the Hall of Fame’s 2022 induction ceremony on Wednesday, March 9, taking place during THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

The award honors an individual who personifies Sifford’s groundbreaking achievements through perseverance, confidence, respect and adaptability. Powell – the second African American woman to ever compete on the LPGA Tour – demonstrated resilience amidst her own obstacles of racial adversity and segregation and dedicated her life to making golf a sport for all. 

“As a youngster my parents fought to get me into tournaments when I was not welcomed because of the color of my skin, which instilled in me how important it is to get young people into the game to help build their self-confidence,” said Powell. “I’m honored to be the first recipient of this award and to see Charlie Sifford be recognized for breaking down barriers that never should have been put in front of him and all others of color who strived to play this game. I was taught early on by my parents that golf should be a sport for everyone, and we can all diversify this game in so many ways.” 

Powell competed in more than 250 professional tournaments during her career and played as a member of the LPGA Tour from 1967-’80. Since 1995 she has served as the head PGA/LPGA professional at Clearview Golf Club (Ohio), which her father – William Powell – established in 1946 as the first U.S. golf course designed, built, owned and operated by an African American. The club’s Clearview Legacy Foundation (nonprofit) focuses on education, preservation, and research, utilizing golf as a tool to reach everyone, with an emphasis on youth, minorities, veterans, seniors and other underrepresented groups.

“On behalf of the Sifford family, we are immensely proud and honored to have this award established in my father’s name,” said Charles Sifford Jr. “My father, my number one hero, simply wanted to play the game he loved so much and – in this pursuit – endured enormous challenges as an African American golfer. His skills, perseverance, grit, and determination propelled him to continue his dream. He was successful despite having to overcome multiple barriers of discrimination. His hard-fought efforts paved the way for other minority golfers to pursue their career. This award is honorably illuminated by having a longtime family friend and successful African American female golfer, Renee Powell, as the first recipient. This really is something special.” 

Southern Company will serve as presenting sponsor of the Charlie Sifford Award, further expanding the organization’s role in celebrating golf’s most distinguished individuals, as the longtime presenting sponsor of the PGA TOUR’s annual Payne Stewart Award.

“At Southern Company, our behaviors are guided by the principle that how we do our work is just as important as the energy we deliver daily to drive growth and prosperity for nine million customers. During our decades-long association with golf, we have focused on promoting the importance of values by highlighting and celebrating champions of character, charity and sportsmanship,” said Tom Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “Honoring the spirit of advancing diversity in golf aligns with Southern Company’s commitment to being a role model company on issues surrounding racial equity. Renee Powell is a tremendous inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company for the perseverance, confidence, respect and adaptability Renee has shown throughout her life. Her commitment to these values not only led to great achievement and success in her career, but also introduced so many underrepresented groups to the game and the lessons it teaches all of us.

Although he turned professional in 1948, Sifford was excluded from the PGA TOUR until 1961, when he became the first African American to compete as a member. Despite the injustice of having some of his best years behind him, Sifford won the Travelers Championship (1967) and Genesis Invitational (1969) and finished in the top-60 on the money list in his first nine years on TOUR. The Genesis Invitational now offers a tournament exemption each year (in his name) to a player who represents the advancement of diversity in golf. In 2004, Sifford was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his historic contributions in breaking barriers for generations of minority golfers who would follow in his footsteps, including Tiger Woods, 2022 Hall of Fame inductee. Sifford also was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014) prior to his passing in 2015.

“The creation of this award will establish a platform for celebrating the significance of Charlie Sifford’s contributions to golf in the face of adversity,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “In partnership with Southern Company, the Hall of Fame is committed to ensuring his legacy endures for future generations by recognizing others – like Renee Powell – who are devoted to making the sport a welcome environment for all.”

In addition to Powell, the induction ceremony in March will recognize Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth, who recently were announced as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement award for their contributions to the sport. Competitors Susie Maxwell Berning and Tiger Woods, along with contributors Tim Finchem and the late Marion Hollins, will be inducted as the newest Hall of Fame class. The addition of these four individuals will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 164.

The induction ceremony will take place in Northeast Florida for the first time since 2013, with most recent ceremonies held in California (2019), New York (2017) and Scotland (2015).

Friends Of Finchem: WGHOF Randomly Adds "Lifetime Achievement Award"

I’m not sure where this one came from given how many times folks have wanted to see World Golf Hall of Fame “wings” to recognize contributors to the sport.

The Tuesday-of-Ryder-Cup week announcement of a huge change in WGHOF policy only heightens my suspicion that even some in Hall land know this will not help shed their image as a plaything for former Commissioner Tim Finchem.

While I respect both gentlemen and appreciate their contributions to the game, Dick Ferris was a longtime PGA Tour Policy Board member who signed off on Tim Finchem’s gargantuan pay packages (and don’t give me that nonsense about how he grew purses…Tiger did the heaviest lifting on that).

So while Ted Ray and Tom Weiskopf have yet to receive any Hall honors, and the latter is battling cancer, this is what friends of Finchem receive for their friendship. And why no Clint Eastwood?

World Golf Hall of Fame to Recognize Pebble Beach Company’s Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth at 2022 Induction Ceremony

Ferris and Ueberroth to receive new Lifetime Achievement Award

St. Augustine, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2021) – The World Golf Hall of Fame will honor two leaders in golf – Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth – as part of a newly created Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Induction Ceremony on March 9, 2022. The ceremony will take place in conjunction with THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

“In 1999, we did something that had never been done before,” said Ueberroth. “We gathered a group of friends who shared our passion for Pebble Beach to purchase it with the goal to keep it, preserve it and enhance it for future generations. On behalf of all of us, we thank the World Golf Hall of Fame for this incredible recognition.”

“Giving back to the game and helping others has brought a lifetime of joy,” said Ferris. “To be so honored is humbling.”

Ueberroth and Ferris, alongside Clint Eastwood, the late Arnold Palmer and their other partners, purchased Pebble Beach in 1999 from Taiheiyo Club and Sumitomo Bank, returning it to U.S. ownership. They served as co-chairmen of Pebble Beach Company for 20 years, and together with their fellow board members and management team, worked to ensure Pebble Beach remained open to the public and a global, must-play, bucket-list golf destination.

Since its founding in 1919, Pebble Beach has hosted 14 major championships including six U.S. Open Championships, five U.S. Amateur Championships, two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships and the 1977 PGA Championship. It also will host the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, its first, and the 2027 U.S. Open, its seventh. Pebble Beach Company has hosted the PGA TOUR’s annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am since 1947 and the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach impacting First Tee (a PGA TOUR Champions’ event) since 2004. The Company, under their leadership and in partnership with Monterey Peninsula Foundation and AT&T, raises more than $15 million annually for local charitable organizations.

“We are pleased to recognize the important and long-standing contributions that Dick and Peter have made to the game of golf through their thoughtful stewardship of Pebble Beach Company,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “We are proud to recognize them through this new award at the 2022 Induction Ceremony, paying homage to their achievements and what those have meant for the sport.” 

“Under Dick and Peter’s stewardship, Pebble Beach Company has invested over $600 million in resort improvements, hosted three historic U.S. Open Championships and made an immeasurable impact on our local community through both charitable giving and economic impact,” said David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. “Their greatest legacy, however, is their passion for Pebble Beach that has become an integral part of our Company culture.” 

Ferris, a long-time friend of Palmer’s, became a member of the PGA TOUR Champions’ Policy Board in 1985 and moved to the PGA TOUR Policy Board in 1993, where he served as chairman from 1994 to 2007. He was the Chairman and CEO of UAL Corporation (parent company of United Airlines, Hertz Rent-A-Car, Hilton International and WestinHotels), a position he held from 1976 to 1987. Between 1992 and 1998, Ferris and Ueberroth served together as co-chairmen and directors in three hotel companies: Guest Quarters Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, and Promus Hotels.

Ueberroth’s career began in the travel business. He founded First Travel Corporation in 1962, and when he sold the company in 1980, it was the second largest travel business in North America. From 1980 to 1984, Peter was President of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, the first privately funded Games which resulted in a $250M surplus earning him Time magazine’s Man of the Year award. He subsequently served as the Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1984 to 1989, and today is managing director of Contrarian Group, an investment and management company. His numerous charitable endeavors include serving as Vice Chair of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and helping to establish First Tee – Monterey County. 

Ferris and Ueberroth will be recognized at the upcoming Induction Ceremony, where competitors Tiger Woods and Susie Maxwell Berning along with contributors Tim Finchem and the late Marion Hollins will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame as members. The Induction Ceremony is returning to Northeast Florida for the first time since 2013. Most recent ceremonies have been held in St Andrews, Scotland (2015), New York (2017) and Pebble Beach (2019).

Church To Take Over and Renovate World Golf Hall Of Fame's PGA Tour Superstore

You know the old saying, if you a PGA Tour Superstore can’t make it in the middle of the World Golf Village off 95…

Colleen Michele Jones reports on the Reverb Church’s purchase of the store adjacent to the World Golf Hall of Fame and expanded PGA Tour Entertainment campus, with plans to build a 32,000 square foot “worship and ministry” by year’s end.

The church’s fundraising campaign has reached $ 250,135 of a goal of $ 500,000 and with at least half of that in the bank, according to the Reverb website, it can begin its renovations to the church. resort’s former golf and pro store, including the addition of a 508-seat auditorium. . Additionally, the new facility will include a Reverb-branded café, a children’s worship theater, and a lobby gathering space for the congregation and community.

This isn’t the first time the church has tried to gain more permanent roots in the county, however. In 2018, Reverb took the first steps to secure a new facility in the Nocatee community.

“We do this by resonating the message of Jesus, making disciples and planting churches,” said Lamoureux. “Our new campus in Nocatee responds to Reverb Church’s long-standing vision of providing a place for families in Nocatee and Ponte Vedra to experience the life-changing gospel message, to grow in their faith and to see the families and children adore together in a vibrant and passionate environment.

You can view more images here of the planned renovation.

This news would not appear to be a good sign for the World Golf Hall of Fame’s future at that location. The cafe has already been shuttered and there have been few signs of recent investment in the Hall of Fame.

The 2022 HOF class will be inducted at the foot of Taj Tim, just up the road in Ponte Vedra.

"Nearing 50, David Duval remains as intriguing as ever (as does his reading list)"

Seeing that Golf Channel is using Shrek’s nemesis for studio analysis this week, you might wonder what’s up with David Duval. The former World No. 1 plans to work about a half-dozen golf tournaments this year according to Michael Bamberger, who catches up with Duval in this Golf.com piece.

He also makes the case for Duval in the Hall of Fame.

He hasn’t won on Tour since his win at Lytham. (The Open counts as a PGA Tour event; the Dunlop Phoenix Open in Japan, which Duval won four months after his Lytham win, does not.) Still, with the Open win, plus a Players title, a dozen other wins and Ryder Cups and World Cups and a Tour round of 59, he deserves a locker at the World Golf Hall of Fame.

That’s what you get upon election, or you used to. The whole thing is being reconsidered. Anyway, if Fred Couples and Tim Finchem are Hall of Famers, then Duval is a Hall of Famer, too.

As Bamberger goes on to note several others have been bypassed, with Tom Weiskopf the obvious candidate for years (but only now picking up steam after his cancer diagnosis). But the Hall remains a popularity contest and players like Duval and Weiskopf were not Commissioner favorites.

Anyway hit the link as Duval also updates on his bedside reading stack and it’s a typically enjoyable Bamberger read.

"[Finchem's] election further validates claims that it is merely a popularity contest and charges of cronyism."

The best I saw celebrating Tim Finchem’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame said he grew purses. Golfweek’s Adam Schupak counters that unprofound take and highlights why the Hall has lost so much credibility in recent years. Remember, this is Deane Beman’s biographer writing:

His election further validates claims that it is merely a popularity contest and charges of cronyism. (PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who was Finchem’s hand-picked successor, and other leaders in the game whose chances of being honored in the future probably also improved with Finchem’s election are among the voters. It all adds up to too much potential conflict of interest.)

Interestingly, Finchem was a semi-finalist in 2019 and didn’t even make it to the list of finalists. It makes you wonder what changed in the last two years during his retirement. But his election is just another reason why the number of members returning for the ceremony is often low and why Hall of Famers continue to give their best mementos elsewhere. The last thing it needed was to enshrine another administrator, even if Finchem says he has a great letter from Arnold Palmer that he will donate to his exhibit along with some photographs of the greats that he bumped elbows with – from Gene Sarazen to Tiger.

Marion! World Golf Hall Of Fame Adds The Golf Great And Visionary

Marion Hollins was announced as a new member of the World Golf Hall of Fame’s 2021 class. While her playing record was nice, Hollins was the kind of early pioneer for American golf that HOF requirements can often overlook. Yet now here she is, in and thanks in large part to the efforts of Pasatiempo historian Bob Beck and many others, finally getting deserved recognition.

Jim McCabe filed this excellent PGATour.com look at her captivating and ultimately too-short life as an athlete, dreamer and doer.

If you missed it last year, David Owen filed this item for the New Yorker considering Hollins’ influence on Bobby Jones and the creation of Augusta National.

Beth Ann Nichols puts Hollins in the top 5 all-time influential women in golf. Works for me.

As GolfChannel.com’s Randall Mell writes, she is finally forgotten no more.

She’s being remembered in a big way with Friday’s news that she will join Tiger Woods as the second inductee in the World Golf Hall of Fame’s class of 2021. Hollins, who died in 1944, at the age of 51, was selected through the contributor category as a “visionary golf course architect” and pioneer of the game. More inductees will be joining Woods and Hollins over the next week or so.

“When you start reading about Marion Hollins, you realize what a trailblazer she was,” said Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, one of the co-chairs of the selection committee. “In her era, she didn’t have many resources with the status of women in sports and golf. To be that kind of trailblazer with that kind of enthusiasm and energy and get into course development and design is very inspirational.”

A nice set of photos of Marion:

Had the privilege of spending a lot of time with on-site Pasatiempo historian last visit, and shared some candid Marion Hollins stories and photos with me.

Here’s Marion hitting opening tee shot to open Pasa, one of her Christmas cards, and original green sketch. #GolfHOF2021 👏 pic.twitter.com/RGhTqk89o2

— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) April 17, 2020

Here is our Golf Channel feature on three women who made an impact on Bobby Jones, featuring Hollins five minutes into the piece:

Marion! Finally, Hollins Is A World Golf Hall Of Fame Finalist

The World Golf Hall of Fame’s release of finalists for its next induction class includes Tiger Woods (too soon), Tom Weiskopf (took too long), Dottie Pepper (this time!) and Tim Finchem (inevitable). You can see the full list of finalists here.

But for history buffs, the inclusion of Marion Hollins is both a win for her remarkable life, but also for the many folks in Northern California who have championed Hollins. Namely, Pasatiempo’s Bob Beck.

The Hollins description:

Marion Hollins – Won the 1921 U.S. Amateur and went on to become one of the most influential women in the game’s early development, including her work as a golf course architect and one of the only female golf course developers in history; a principle force behind the founding and formation of Cypress Point, Pasatiempo and the Women’s National Golf and Tennis Club.

Let’s never forget that she was vital in the shaping of Augusta National, both in helping Bobby Jones find his architect, and in visiting during construction on behalf of MacKenzie.

John Boyette wrote about Hollins a few years ago in advance of the Masters.

At Golf Channel, profiled Hollins as part of a pre-Masters feature last year and I wrote about her here.

Tiger You've Been Warned: World Golf Hall Of Fame Lowers Induction Eligibility Back To 45

…and still no players will show up to the ceremony unless they are inducted or are paid to be there.

Backstory: the Hall once took people as young as 40, then got ripped for inducting people in their prime, subsequently raising the age to 50. And now a middle ground.

For Immediate Release, and warning to Tiger (44 going on 45 this December) that you will be going in the Hall sooner than later.

World Golf Hall of Fame Modifies Selection Process Including Age Eligibility for Enshrinement

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2020) – World Golf Foundation Board of Directors has voted to make several changes to the World Golf Hall of Fame eligibility and Induction process in an effort to ensure the game’s greats from around the world are actively recognized and celebrated.
 
Changes to the eligibility include lowering the age of a Male or Female Competitor from 50 to 45 years of age or three years retired from the game. A player will be eligible for Induction provided he or she turns 45 the year of the Induction Ceremony. Additional changes include elimination of the Veterans category and replacing “Lifetime Achievement” recognition with “Contributor.”

Contributor is definitely better than the alternatives: Also Rans, Ink Stained Wretches, People Who Didn’t Play or Suits.

“Recognizing the game’s greatest players and contributors is an important endeavor and one our sport takes very seriously,” said World Golf Foundation Board Chairman and PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “We are committed to regularly evaluating the selection process to ensure we approach it with both historical context and the future in mind. I believe these changes benefit the Hall of Fame Members, fans across the world and the institution.”
 
The Nominating and Selection Committees have expanded to include 18 members of the media. Hall of Famers Beth Daniel, Nick Price and Curtis Strange will join Annika Sorenstam as Co-Chairs on the Selection Committee.

"Being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame was one of the defining moments of my career, and I am honored to serve on the Selection Committee,” said Sorenstam. “These changes are positive for the Hall of Fame, and I am pleased that future members can enjoy the recognition and celebration of their achievements beginning at age 45.”
 
“We believe these changes will enhance the Hall of Fame in many ways and bring greater attention to the most deserving players at a time in their careers when they are still competing at the highest level,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation. “We look forward to the future of the Hall of Fame as we ensure it remains a meaningful way to recognize the game’s greats.”
 
The Nominating and Selection Committees will meet early this year to determine the World Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The 2021 Induction Ceremony date, location and class will be announced at a later date.   
 
For more information on the Induction criteria, categories and a full list of the Nominating and Selection Committees, visit the www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.