PINEHURST — The World Golf Hall of Fame is returning to the Sandhills.
The announcement was made at a press conference Wednesday morning at the Carolina Hotel by the U.S. Golf Association along with state and local leaders.
The Golf House will be built on the grounds of Pinehurst Resort, USGA officials revealed. Walking into the press room, invitees were welcomed by the World Golf Hall of Fame trophy, a possible giveaway to the announcement ahead.
A few of the notable attendees included USGA CEO Mike Whan, Gov.Roy Cooper, state Sen. Tom McInnis, R-Moore and state Rep. Jamie Boles, R-Moore
“The World Golf Hall of Fame started in Pinehurst 50 years ago and in 2024 it will reopen literally steps between the Carolina Hotel and the Cradle, as well as Pinehurst Number 2,” Whan said standing at the podium.
When asked about the style and vibe of the new Hall of Fame, Whan described it as “the greatest golf locker room in the world.”
“When you walk in you will see the golf lockers of all those who have been inducted and what they have decided to put in their respective lockers,” Whan said, adding that there would be a splattering of golf memorabilia and historic pieces.
Whan finished up by saying the goal was not to build “just another museum” but really truely lean into the claim of being “making it the home of golf.”
Cooper spoke on the importance of golf in the Carolinas and the impact both socially and financially that the sport has on the state.
“The game of golf has more than a four billion dollar impact on our state and fifty-three thousand jobs are related to the golf industry here,” Cooper said. “Carolina is a land of golf courses … not only is that important for tourism but also for those who want to live and work here as well.”
The governor also commented on how golf was instrumental in the mental health of so many during the recent COVID pandemic as it is exclusively played outside with social distancing and was able to be enjoyed throughout that time.
When asked about his golf game Cooper replied, “ My golf game is extraordinarily rusty, I have been pretty busy lately. It has been quite a while since I have been on the golf course but I am looking forward to getting back out on the golf course at some point in my life.”
The Golf House and World Golf Hall of Fame is scheduled to open in 2024 and will also host the next two classes of induction coinciding with the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 and also in 2029 when Pinehurst will host the U.S. Open yet again.
