This year has been one for the books. With a successful 2015 Induction Ceremony under our belts, we have spent much of 2016 building on this momentum as we gear up for the 2017 Induction Ceremony. To celebrate an exciting year, here are a few of the Hall of Fame’s other top moments from 2016.
#5: GOLF FESTIVAL
The third annual Golf Festival at World Golf Village brought 1000s to the Hall of Fame… Demo Day + free family golf + free Museum admission + golf clinics + live music + food trucks (the list goes on and on).
#4: CHI CHI RODRIGUEZ
Chi Chi Rodriguez stopped by the World Golf Hall of Fame to celebrate his 81st birthday. He even blew out the candles on his birthday cake by performing his famous “toreador dance” (sword dance) with a golf club.
#3: GRACE & GRIT
World Golf Hall of Fame Member and 88-time LPGA Champion, Kathy Whitworth, visited the Hall of Fame to unveil the Museum’s newest exhibit – Grace & Grit: Women Champions Through the Years. The exhibit celebrates eight decades of female champion golfers who have made a significant impact on the game of golf.
#2: GOLF RETURNS TO THE OLYMPICS
Not only did golf return to the Olympic Games after more than 100 years, but the Hall of Fame opened up an exhibit – Road to Rio – to highlight the Games and display how golf has evolved to 2016, including golf attire, rules and even two rare Olympic medals from the 1904 Olympic Games. The Hall of Fame has received memorabilia from players in the 2016 Games and is putting them out for display in the Road to Rio exhibit.
#1: WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2017
By far, the biggest accolade from the 2016 year was the announcement of the prestigious Class of 2017 including the late Henry Longhurst, Davis Love III, Meg Mallon, Lorena Ochoa and Ian Woosnam. Also of note, the 2017 Induction Ceremony will take place in New York City on September 26, the week of the Presidents Cup.
We look forward to the New Year as we welcome the Class of 2017 into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
