USGA Museum And Archives Lends Artifacts To Hall Of Fame Exhibit


October 11, 2005

By , USGA

Far Hills, N.J. - The USGA has loaned the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, , three artifacts from its Museum and Archives for a special exhibit commemorating the Walt Disney Pictures film "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

The film, which was released in theaters nationwide on Sept. 30, details the dramatic story of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, who stunned the world with his upset victory at the 1913 U.S. Open over Englishmen Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. Flanked by his 10-year-old caddie Eddie Lowery, the 20-year-old Ouimet carded a 72 to defeat Vardon by five strokes and Ray by six.

Vardon had won the 1900 U.S. Open and five British Opens (he won a sixth in 1914) entering that Open and was considered the odds-on favorite to win the trophy at The Country Club. The U.S. Open was even pushed back until September to accommodate Vardon's visit to the U.S., which included a series of exhibition matches with Ray, who would win the U.S. Open seven years later at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Ouimet's winning gold medal, the putter he used and all three original scorecards from the playoff were loaned to the Hall from the USGA. Ouimet's card was marked by 2005 Hall of Fame inductee . At that time, player's scorecards were not marked by fellow competitors as is the custom today. Darwin, a sportswriter for the London Times , agreed to keep Ouimet's card during the playoff.

so featured in the exhibit will be original scrapbooks with photos and newspaper clippings from the event.

The exhibit, which is to be unveiled on Oct. 14, also will showcase numerous items used during the filming of the movie, including costumes worn by the actors portraying Ouimet (Shia LeBeouf) and Vardon (Stephen Dillane), clubs and bags, the course map and other props used throughout the film.

The movie was adapted from the book of the same title by , who won the 2002 USGA International Book Award for "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

is a staff writer for the USGA. E-mail him with questions or comments at dshefter@usga.org.