The Golf Course Hall of Fame

The Story of North American Golf Told Through Its Courses

By: Doug Gelbert

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

If only those sand bunkers and water hazards could talk about the things they've seen. Here they get their chance... Why a Golf Course Hall of Fame? The World Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the careers of great players, great architects, great journalists and great contributors to the sport. But there is no recognition of the golf courses themselves. What would qualify a venue for the Golf Course Hall of Fame? A course has to be famous.That means private clubs that are well-respected for their courses and historic pedigree that never open their doors to the public or tournament golf are weak candidates as Hall of Fame material. Being famous for exclusivity is a different type of Hall of Fame.This is also not an evaluation of the courses as tests of golf as are compiled in the many estimable “Top” or “Best” lists. What does qualify a club for inclusion into the Golf Course Hall of Fame are such factors as tournament venues (Oakmont, Ocean Course); influence on the game (Stadium Course, Pine Valley); landmark venues (Van Cortlandt, Langston); historic tournaments (The Country Club, Cherry Hills); association with legendary players (East Lake, Scioto); clubhouse architecture (Shinnecock Hills, Medinah) and some that qualify on all accounts (Augusta National, Merion). So let’s get started and meet the inductees into the Golf Course Hall of Fame...