By Travis Puterbaugh
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum added hundreds of items – a great mix of both older and contemporary artifacts – to its growing collection this past year. Among some of the highlights:
Stereo Photo Sculpture from Tokyo, Japan donated an Arnold Palmer bust which was created in 1972 at the request of Rolex Japan. This plaster prototype was used as a model for the Arnold Palmer Trophy, which was awarded to the winner of the Rolex World Mixed Golf Classic beginning in 1978.
Patience Cook of Transitions Optical donated the Transitions Championship trophy sponsored by this company from 2009-2012. The tournament is currently known as the Valspar Championship and is played at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. The trophy features the names of 13 Hall of Fame Members and winners dating back to when the tournament was held as a mixed singles event from 1977-1999.
Courtesy of the PGA TOUR are items from one current and one potential future Hall of Famer: a plaque featuring Phil Mickelson’s original scorecards from his 2000 TOUR Championship win, the first of his two victories in this event, and a caddie bib belonging to Justin Thomas from the inaugural CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges in South Korea signed by tournament winner Thomas.
Finally, the LPGA donated several items from the 2017 Solheim Cup won by the United States. Michelle Wie’s Nike golf shoes, customized by Crystal Ninja, made quite the impression in Iowa and are one of the most unique additions to the Hall of Fame’s collection. Who can forget Lexi Thompson’s epic Sunday singles match against Anna Nordqvist, in which she trailed by four shots after four holes only to storm back and halve the match? Thompson’s glove from that match and a pair of signed PUMA shoes commemorate her remarkable effort. Lastly, Captain Juli Inkster motivated her team by distributing lunch pails in 2015 and hard hats in 2017 to remind them the value of hard work. Inkster’s own hard hat can currently be seen in her locker at the World Golf Hall of Fame.
