News

Keepers Of Our Game

Published

18 years ago

Jan 27, 2008

R Hetzel

Almost everyone knows the USGA. Not everyone knows that they do a whole lot more than maintain the rules of golf, test golf balls and golf equipment. All of the aforementioned is important to our game, but lets not forget where we have been.

After being closed for the previous three years, the USGA is about to open a completely renovated, enlarged golf museum. The former USGA Golf House will be renamed as the Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History. A new center that much more clearly delineates the unique eras of golf as they transcend through history. The new museum will begin with golf in its American infancy and travel onwards to our current day, world inspired game. The old golf house will be completely unique and up to date.

Entrance to the soon to be, new and improved Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History.

The last time that I visited the USGA Golf House was back in 1997 and it was strictly as an outsider looking in. This time around, and since everything is off display, I was afforded a behind the scenes look at some golden golf history thanks to Dr. Rand Jerris. Just like us, Rand is an avid golfer, and an art history major a few times over. Rand shagged golf balls for iron byron back in the late 1980’s during a summer internship at the USGA. He is responsible for computerizing the complete USGA collection and has seen the museum staff numbers grow from only 2 people to the 10 that are there now. Rand is the USGA Museum Director, and has probably forgotten more about golf history than I can remember.

Unfortunately, time did not allow me to peruse everything stored away in the USGA’s basement, if so I’d still be there, gawking away. With so much golf history on tap, most of which has never even been on public display, it is very difficult for me to choose a starting (and ending) point for this story. It may be just the first.

Before deciding upon a renovated and expanded golf museum in Far Hills, New Jersey there was much discussion at the USGA about the possible relocation of the golf museum. The USGA toyed with such locations as New York City, Monterrey, California and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ultimately, the USGA stayed true to its roots and stayed in place. The new Golf House will be called the Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History. This museum is much different and in my opinion much more important than say, the World Golf Hall of Fame in Florida. They are very different from each other and each serves vastly different purpose. You say that you have already visited the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame so why do you need to pay homage to the Palmer Center? Well, for a lot of reasons. Roots. Yes, learn where golf has been and see where it is now in the present.

The WGC used to be located in Pinehurst. With their move to Florida they became focused on their elected hall of famers, those specific professional players. There are some others, but mainly professionals and their stories and accomplishments.

The USGA is focused upon the history of golf in the United States. It is a museum that tells the great stories of our amateur champions and the USGA championships. It will continue to be a museum depicting the old history of golf from Scotland to the present evolution of golf equipment. It delineates more personal stories, from equipment to the great and storied players of our time and times past.

As you enter the new museum, which will almost double in size to over 30,000 square feet you’ll be torn between the Bobby Jones room and the Arnold Palmer room, but don’t worry you’ll have ample time for both. The giant sketch of Arnie that greets you will come alive in words and be interactive in nature. I don’t want to give it away (yet), but one of Arnie’s fans devoted 14 years of his life into making this “word drawing” come alive for us.

A few Arnold Palmer items for your viewing pleasure.

While sitting down with Rand, I asked him to choose what he believes are the three most intriguing items within the USGA’s golf collection. Although he had a very tough time choosing, his top three were:

His first choice was Francis Quimet’s original set of irons from the 1913 US Open. These were acquired from a family that had purchased them from Eddie Lowery, the young caddy who later became a millionaire. This family had the 4 irons. The USGA already had the putter. The USGA kept tabs on these clubs and when the couple reached their golden years they went to the USGA and really to all of us. There are no woods or golf bag; it is unknown where they are today. The golf clubs were actually authenticated by Eddie Lowery himself. The USGA had to wait patiently for 30 years to take possession of these historic and priceless clubs. If you enjoyed the movie or book, The Greatest Game Ever Played, you’ll surely appreciate this collection at the new museum.

Sample plaque that commemorates past USGA Champions.

The priceless, Bobby Jones’ Calamity Jane 2 putter was his second choice. Bobby Jones won 10 of 13 major events with this putter. The original Calamity Jane putter resides at Augusta National. After developing a crack in the wooden shaft, Bobby had thin black wire wrapped very tightly around the shaft in order to prevent it from cracking more. The original Calamity Jane putter was retired and the back up (#2) was put into play. Bobby soon added the signature black wire because he was so used to seeing it on the shaft as he putted. Obviously it worked, as this putter was used to win more than his fair share of golf tournaments. I was fortunate enough to hold this putter, quite possibly the most famous of all golf clubs. Certainly the most coveted of all putters, at least until Tiger Woods has long since finished playing competitive golf.

Notice the tightly wound wire on Calamity Jane No. 2. It served a purpose for Mr. Jones.

Robert Tyre Jones and Calamity Jane (#2), golf legends. 10 majors, enough said.

Lastly, Rand had a tie for third place. The first, which is quite compelling, is Jim Chase’s unique portrait of Arnold Palmer. Artist Jim Chase spent 14 years drawing microscopic letters, using words to create and shape the final portrait. Jim gave one of just five copies to Arnold and Arnold graciously gave it to the USGA. The drawing, or lettering if you will, carries deep meaning. It contains a total of 22,719 words. Get really close and you’ll see them, from a few feet away it looks like a masterful inked sketch. It will be the centerpiece in the Palmer room and it will become an interactive experience where you can zoom in on a quote or series of words to see why the artist chose them in his design. Of course, you know Tiger Woods made Rand’s picks as well. For historical significance, he choose a Titleist wedge that Tiger Woods used to assist him with decimating the field and setting a US Open scoring record when he won the US Open at Pebble Beach.

The future centerpiece of the Arnold Palmer Room courtesy of artist Jim Chase and Arnie.

It sure doesn’t look like much now, but this room will be the "world golf era " space in the new museum.

All very interesting choices by Mr. Jerris, but I’d have to insert that 6 iron that made it to the moon as well making a three way tie. These are just a very select few golf items of historical significance that live on at the USGA for all of us.

The new and improved USGA Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History will open in late May with an Arnold Palmer attended Grand Opening celebration in early June. I know that if I am in the New Jersey area, I’ll be there.

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

24 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

3 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

3 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase