Nestled between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, just minutes from Florida First Coast beaches, the World Golf Hall of Fame is the centerpiece of the World Golf Village, a 6,300-acre golf mecca and premier vacation destination.
Opened in 1998, the World Golf Hall of Fame was developed as an educational tool imparting the values taught by golf – honesty, integrity, sportsmanship – through instruction, inspiration, and just plain fun. Today it stands to recognize and celebrate golf's greatest players and contributors. It has become the ultimate destination for golfers and fans and serves as an inspiration to the golfing world.
Exhibits
The World Golf Hall of Fame is supported by the world's leading golf organizations. The Hall of Fame combines historic artifacts and personal memorabilia with interactive exhibits to tell the stories of the Hall of Fame members and the history of the game. Revolving exhibits keep the World Golf Hall of Fame experience fresh and interesting.Currently, the Hall of Fame is featuring one of golf's greatest ambassadors in a special exhibition — Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory. It is the Hall of Fame's showcase member exhibition throughout 2009. Bob Hope had a broad range of talents — from vaudeville to entertaining troops; and, of course, there was his passion for golf. All of this encompasses the largest collection of Hope memorabilia ever available on public display with storytelling that allows guests to hear Bob Hope tell jokes himself.
Hall of Fame members' stories are referenced throughout the museum. The Wall of Fame features hand-crafted bronze relief plaques of each member extends an entire wall. Significant tournament trophies, including men's and women's majors, are displayed in the Hall of Fame Tower. A Member Locker Room showcases memorabilia from many of the members.
Guests can "get in the game" by trying to sink a long putt on a modern tournament-style putting green under the lights and cameras of Wonderful World of Golf match. Guests can capture a keepsake photo of their party crossing a replica of the famous Swilcan Burn Bridge with the Old Course at St. Andrews in the background or try their hand at using hickory-shafted putters and gutta-percha balls on a replica 1800s-style putting green.
Walk of Champions
Outside, the Walk of Champions features the signatures of Hall of Fame members engraved in granite and thousands of personalized bricks. This half-mile path encircling Kelly Lake ties together the core elements of World Golf Village, and also includes an 18-hole natural grass putting course and the Challenge Hole, an island green reminiscent of the famous 17th Hole of Sawgrass' Stadium Course at the Tournament Players Club.
World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater
The Hall of Fame's 300-seat IMAX Theater provides a state-of-the-art cinematic experience. Its 80-foot-wide by six-story-high screen with unobstructed views allows guests to literally put themselves in the action-packed scenes and experience speeds of more than 200 mph, take a walk on the moon, ascend some of the world's highest peaks and dive in underwater journeys. Only IMAX technology creates the sensation as though the viewer is truly there.
Admission Information
The World Golf Hall of Fame is open year-round (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) Monday through Satuday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $19.50 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, military and children and includes a round on the 18-hold natural grass putting course and admission to a film at the adjacent IMAX Theater.Guests are encouraged to explore the museum at their own pace with knowledgeable Hall of Fame volunteers positioned throughout to answer questions. Complimentary guided tours are offered to groups of 10 or more and are available by appointment only by calling 904-490-4118.
Where to Stay
- Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village - The "official" resort of the World Golf Hall of Fame offers 300 luxurious guest rooms and suites. The resort overlooks the Village's lake and golf courses and is conveniently located next to the Hall of Fame. The resort's amenities include a pool, hot tub, 24-hour health club, restaurant, lounge and full-service concierge. >Compare rates on Kayak
- Grande Villas at World Golf Village - This Bluegreen Vacation Club resort offers country club vacation homes that overlook the 1th and 18th holes of Slammer & Squire golf course. One- and two-bedroom vilas are fully furnished and equipped with kitchen, cable TV, VCR, CD player and washer/dryer. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, sand volleyball courts and tennis courts. >Compare rates on Kayak
- Laterra Resort & Spa - Anchored by the one-of-a-kind PGA TOUR Spa Laterra, this resort offers luxurious accommodations and signature spa services. The fully-equipped studio, 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suites feature gourmet kitchens, spacious baths and patios or balconies. >Compare rates on Kayak
Directions
World Golf Hall of Fame is situated within World Golf Village which is conveniently located in Northeast Florida just off Interstate 95 at Exit 95A – International Golf Parkway.World Golf Village is centrally located between two major commercial airports – Jacksonville International Airport and Daytona Beach Regional Airport – both less than an hours drive away. St. Augustine/St. Johns County Municipal airport is the closest private, non-commercial airport accommodating general aviation and corporate air travel.
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