World Golf Hall of Fame

Lore & Background

The World Golf Hall of Fame opened in September 1974 with an initial class of 13 members. It was originally privately operated by Diamondhead Corp., then owners of the Pinehurst Resort. The PGA of America took over management in 1983 and acquired full ownership in 1986. Two other halls of fame have been merged into it: one established by the PGA of America in 1940, and the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame (originally established by the LPGA in 1951 with four charter members: Patty Berg, Betty Jameson, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias). The LPGA Tour Hall of Fame merged into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. In 1994 the World Golf Foundation was established, and construction at the new site in St. Johns County, Florida, began in 1996; the facility opened on May 19, 1998, and closed in September 2023. The new USGA Pinehurst Golf House now houses the Hall of Fame that opened in 2024.

Reader's Guide

Membership categories have changed over time. From 1996 to 2013, members were inducted in one of five categories: PGA Tour/Champions Tour, LPGA Tour, International, Lifetime Achievement, and Veterans. In October 2013, the hall announced a review of its selection process, and a new process was announced in March 2014. Starting in 2014, members were inducted in four categories: Male Competitor, Female Competitor, Veterans, and Lifetime Achievement.

Elections were held every other year with induction ceremonies in odd-numbered years beginning in 2015. The hall again revised the criteria in 2020 and now recognizes two categories: Competitor and Contributor. A 30-member nominating sub-committee nominates 10 individuals (four male competitors, four female competitors, and two contributors). A 20-member selection committee votes; election requires 75% of the vote, and each year's class is limited to two from each ballot and five total. In 2016, the age requirement was raised to 50 from 40; in 2020, it was lowered from 50 to 45.

Did You Know?

• The Hall of Fame Museum Building was designed by E. Verner Johnson and Associates of Boston.
• The Hall of Fame and exhibition area were designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.