THE WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME at St. Augustine, Florida is a favourite with golfing enthusiasts. Visitors can wander round the museum, learn about the legends (male and female) and view their memorabilia, good luck trinkets and clubs.
Afterwards they can try the island green Challenge Hole, or play over 165 courses on a simulator. One round on the 18-hole, natural-grass putting course is included in admission. The Hall of Fame’s Member Locker Room looks like a posh clubhouse. The Trophy Tower holds some of golf’s most historic and unusual trophies.
The qualifications required for election to the World Golf Hall of Fame are: minimum of 40 years old, or five years retired from “active competition,” 15 or more wins on ‘approved tours’ or 2 Majors. The veterans category is for amateurs or pros who retired before 1980. The “lifetime achievement” category honours major contributors to the sport, eg. Bob Hope.
The World Golf Village features luxurious accommodation and two championship golf courses, the King & Bear (Palmer and Nicklaus) and Slammer & Squire (Snead and Sarazen.) The blurb says: “After an exciting day relax with your pals at Champions Grille over beers and a ‘Bear Burger’ or ‘King Melt’ with stacked slices of prime steak on ciabatta.” Worth the trip on it’s own.
THE BETFRED BRITISH MASTERS hosted by Danny Willett, takes place at the Belfry from 10th – 15th May. The world-class Brabazon course has a rich golfing history, including hosting four Ryder Cups and seventeen European Tour events. Consisting of three courses, The Belfry is one of Britain’s most popular venues.
Originally Known as Moxhull Hall,and dating back to the time of Edward the Confessor, it was also a manor for the Knights Templar. It became the headquarters of the European PGA in 1977 and the Brabazon Course hosted the Hennessey Cognac Cup in 1978 between Gt. Britain and Ireland and Europe. It was on the par 4 10th hole that Seve Ballesteros hit a shot the course designers had never envisaged.
Nick Faldo found the fairway but Seve hit his persimmon-headed driver a massive 280 yds to the right over the trees to land 8ft from the pin for a birdie putt. A plaque now marks the spot.
At the 1985 Ryder Cup he was paired with Manuel Pinero in the morning foursomes, they were 2 up at the 10th hole. Once again Seve took his driver, and this time his ball soared left over the water, landing on the green for a birdie putt. He and Pinero won 2&1. Europe went on to win the Cup 16.5-11.5, the first U.S. loss since 1957.
IF JON RAHM or Sergio Garcia triumph over the Americans at The PGA on Kiawah Island this month don’t be surprised if a resounding Spanish cheer is heard from above. Remembering the “War on the Shore” it’ll be Seve.
A PLEASURE TO WATCH a traditional foursomes at the Zurich Classic, instead of the Longest Drive competition pro golf seems to be these days. A neck and neck battle down the back nine between the two leading teams, finally a well deserved win for Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith on the first playoff hole.
Amusing to hear the commentators explaining to bemused viewers the meaning of “alternate holes.” Hopefully at the Ryder Cup Europe can demonstrate further. Graeme McDowell celebrated his first ace on the PGA tour by providing a cooler of beer for the press tent. Lucky he owns a bar.
The first recorded hole in one was made by Tom Morris in the 1868 British Open.
The record for most PGA tour aces is 10. Phil Mickelson has recorded five.
Art Wall Jr., the 1959 Masters champion had more than 40 holes in one during his career.
Tiger Woods has shot 20 aces, his first at the age of 6.
The odds against a pro golfer getting a hole in one: 3,000 to one.
The odds against an average golfer getting a hole in one: 12,000 to one.
Even so, I haven’t given up hope.
Until next time – Happy Golfing.
