Looking for a new, one-of-a-kind Moore County experience? The recent addition of the USGA Experience and the World Golf Hall of Fame at Pinehurst is sure to be a hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts of all ages.
Michael Trostel, director of the World Golf Hall of Fame, offers insight into what makes this museum an enriching and ever-evolving experience for visitors.
Trostel describes the museum as a comprehensive showcase of the rich history and science behind the game of golf.
“The USGA Experience gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at who we are and what we do,” he told Sandhills Sentinel. “You might even see a Hall of Famer during your visit! In the first three months we’ve been open, we’ve already had more than 30 World Golf Hall of Fame members visit and take a tour.”
The museum features galleries on the Science of Golf, USGA Championships, and a rotating exhibit that displays some of the 85,000 artifacts from the USGA Museum in New Jersey. Additionally, The World Golf Hall of Fame highlights 170 of the game’s most accomplished and influential figures, with each Hall of Fame member having a locker to display items from their careers and personal lives.
“We are constantly updating our exhibits,” notes Trostel. “In the past month, we’ve added Bryson DeChambeau’s hat from his 2024 U.S. Open victory and Scottie Scheffler’s shirt from his gold medal performance in this year’s Summer Olympics. We also have a speaker series that is free and open to the public.”
The museum offers something for everyone of all ages, ensuring families with children feel included. A scavenger hunt provides clues to find artifacts throughout the museum, making it a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
The Science of Golf gallery features interactive exhibits great for STEM learning, such as understanding the effect of altitude on a golf ball and why dimples help a ball fly farther. Another interactive exhibit allows visitors to play the role of a superintendent, navigating challenges to keep turf grass healthy and players happy with course conditions.
“Allow at least an hour for your visit – there is a lot to see!” encourages Trostel.
In addition to the exhibits, visitors can enjoy nearby shopping and dining options. The museum’s gift shop offers merchandise from the World Golf Hall of Fame and all 15 USGA championships, including the U.S. Open.
For dining, visitors can take a short walk or shuttle ride to The Deuce at Pinehurst Resort’s main clubhouse or explore the many restaurants in the Village of Pinehurst.
For those interested in guided experiences, the museum offers guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., free with the price of admission. Additionally, tours of the USGA Test Center are available on Thursdays at 3 p.m.
Trostel credits several individuals for their contributions to the museum. Hilary Cronheim, senior director of the USGA Golf Museum and Library, oversaw the design of the USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame. The vision to bring the Hall of Fame back to Pinehurst was spearheaded by USGA CEO Mike Whan and made possible through the support of Gov. Roy Cooper, Sen. Tom McInnis, Rep. Richard Hudson, and the Dedman family, owners of Pinehurst Resort.
Trostel advises visitors to allow at least an hour for their visit to appreciate the exhibits fully. He also recommends bringing a friend or family member to help capture photos next to your favorite exhibits and lockers.
The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with general admission priced at $10. North Carolina residents can enjoy a discounted rate of $5, and USGA members and children 12 and under are offered free admission.
The location is 3 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst.
For more information, please click link: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/golf-house-pinehurst.html
Feature photo: The USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame Experiences are located on the USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus, situated between Pinehurst Resort’s Carolina Hotel and its Main Clubhouse/Photo credit USGA John Mummert.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy.
