GSGA Takes Over Management of Georgia Golf Hall of Fame

MARIETTA, Ga. – In an exciting new chapter of its rich history, the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) has entered into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) to manage the ongoing activities associated with the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame (GGHOF). The terms of the agreement authorize the GSGA to:

 1) Host the banquet to honor inductees;
 2) Store memorabilia of the members of the Hall of Fame and display as available; and
 3) Have right, title and interest to the trademarks, trade names and logos associated with the GGHOF.

This agreement has been worked out in accordance with the wishes of the former Board of Directors of the GGHOF Authority and Commission, which was abolished as part of Senate Bill 449 on the final day of the 2010 Georgia legislative session. Governor Sonny Perdue signed the bill on June 2, 2010.

GSGA’s acquisition of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame comes with the support of the other golf organizations in the state, including the Georgia Section PGA, Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association, Georgia Club Managers Association and Georgia Golf Course Owners Association, for the Hall of Fame’s banquet and ongoing plans.

Regarding other aspects of the Hall of Fame’s assets and activities, Senate Bill 449 transfers ownership of the 17 acres of land in Augusta, previously owned by the GGHOF and which was operated as the Augusta Golf and Gardens for several years, to the Georgia State Properties Commission (GSPC), in order to be put up for sale. The GSGA has no interest or claim on this property, nor would it realize any gain that might occur from proceeds following a sale.

Also, in a separate loan arrangement from GDEcD, the Augusta Museum of History (AMH) has obtained the six statues of famous golfers that the Hall of Fame owned and were previously located on the Augusta Golf and Gardens property. After the closing of the Gardens, the statues were stored in the Augusta property’s maintenance facility until March of this year, when they were moved and placed on display in the rotunda of the AMH. The statues are now properly secured and maintained, and the public is able to view them at no charge during normal museum opening hours seven days a week. The GSGA has no interest or claim on the statues, and it is expected that the Museum will continue to be able to display them under an agreement with GDEcD.

The GSGA expresses its appreciation to Bryan Persons, past chairman of the GGHOF, and the other former Board members, for their tireless efforts in working to make this a great Hall of Fame. The GSGA pledges to continue to live up to the high standards set by the former GGHOF Board. The Association also recognizes its Executive Committee for their foresight in committing to this new chapter in the GSGA’s history.

“The Georgia State Golf Association takes very seriously our role in preserving the rich history of the game as one of our services to golf clubs and golfers in Georgia,” said Mike Waldron, GSGA executive director. “We look forward to working with our allied organizations and others in the golf industry in Georgia in making this transition as seamless as possible.”

Over the next few months there will be additional announcements regarding the next banquet location and date and the members of the new induction class. Also, there are plans to produce a display of Georgia Golf Hall of Fame members’ memorabilia both at the GSGA headquarters and at the offices of the other allied organizations in the state, subject to the approval of the members.

Founded in 1916, the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) received its official charter on June 24, 1924.  Since that date, the GSGA has grown to one of the largest state amateur golf associations in the country, with over 350 member clubs and 85,000 individual members.  With a mission to promote and preserve amateur golf in the state of Georgia, GSGA offers a computerized handicapping service, course rating and measuring, and annually conducts a full schedule of statewide competitions for men and women of all age groups.  Other services include a summer-long junior sectional program, award-winning Golf Georgia magazine, membership recognition and rewards programs and a charitable foundation administering two college scholarship programs.