Following is the second and final installment of my Q&A with the USGA’s Dr. Rand Jerris, Director of Museum and Archives, about the new Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History currently under construction at USGA headquarters.
Armchair Golf: What about existing displays and exhibits?
Dr. Jerris: Current displays and exhibits will also be housed at the new Palmer Center when it’s completed. They include Bob Jones’ famous putter, Calamity Jane II, arguably the most famous golf club in the world; the Moon Club, the specially modified tool used by Alan Shepard to play golf on the lunar surface in 1971, quite possibly the second-most famous club in the world; Ben Hogan’s 1-iron from the 1950 U.S. Open, when he came back from a horrific automobile accident to win our national championship; and artifacts from Tiger Woods, Payne Stewart, Annika Sorenstam, and many other stars of today’s game.
Armchair Golf: What will the Center mean for golf and golf fans?
Dr. Jerris: Whether you’re an avid golfer or a casual fan of the game, the Palmer Center will provide an experience that should be both entertaining and educational.
The USGA Museum and Archives has worked diligently to preserve the rich traditions and history of the game for more than 70 years. In that time, we’ve gathered hundreds of truly outstanding artifacts from many of the greatest champions in the history of the game. The new Palmer Center will allow us to showcase these artifacts properly for the first time in our history.
Armchair Golf: What else should we know?
Dr. Jerris: We’d like the golf community to know that we’re here to serve you, that we have a sincere desire to share our wonderful collections with you, and that we hope we can inspire in everyone a passion for the game’s history.
If you have questions or need information of a historical nature, our staff is ready and willing to assist. Moreover, if you have ideas or suggestions on ways we can be of greater service to the golf community, we always welcome a call (908-234-2300), email (museum@usga.org), or a note (PO Box 708, Far Hills, NJ 07931). We want to hear from you, so that we know best how to serve you.
An Open Invitation from the USGA
We extend an invitation to visit the new Palmer Center when it opens next year. Please come to Far Hills next summer and help us celebrate the remarkable history of the greatest game in the world. In the meantime, visit USGA for news and updates on our progress and schedule for reopening.
The Armchair Golfer