The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the World Golf Hall of Fame has announced that the World Golf Hall of Fame will be moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina.
The North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper joined the announcement where the two organizations detailed the new visitor experience at the USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus set to open in 2024.
Governor Cooper said, “North Carolina is home to legendary golf courses and it makes perfect sense to have The World Golf Hall of Fame here in Pinehurst.
“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.
”In his own reaction, the CEO of USGA, Mike Whan noted that there was 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.
“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,” Whan submitted.
“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” he said
Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame said, for nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honoured the history and legacies of those who have made golf great.
He noted further that 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
He expressed optimism that 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.
“We’re proud to be a part of the U.S. Golf Association’s continued growth and preservation of the game of golf’s long legacy here in North Carolina,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “USGA’s investment in Pinehurst means new jobs and millions in tourism dollars for the region and state for generations to come,” McLaughlin said.
The USGA is the governing body of golf for the United States and Mexico for golf courses, clubs and facilities. The organization was established in 1894, to help establish a national amateur championship.
The World Golf Hall of Fame was founded in Pinehurst in 1974. It moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 1998, but is returning to North Carolina in 2024.
According to a 2017 study, golf generated $2.3 billion in direct spending and a total economic impact of $4.2 billion in the state, including nearly 53,000 jobs and total wage income of $1.3 billion.