Anthology Film Archives Honors USGA


March 28, 2006

By David Shefter, USGA

Far Hills, N.J. -- It may not have been an Oscar or a Golden Globe, but the award the USGA received on March 27 from the Anthology Film Archives meant just as much. The Association was one of nine individuals/organizations to receive honors at the Water's Edge Restaurant in .

The USGA was celebrated for its film and video archives. Previous honorees include film director , NBC News Archives, Sony Pictures, Studios and CNN.

Each spring, the Anthology Film Archives salutes individuals and institutions for their contributions to the preservation and understanding of film heritage. The AFA is an international center for the preservation, study and exhibition of film and video with a particular focus on American independent and avant-garde cinema and its precursors found in classic European, Soviet and Japanese film.

"It's nice to be recognized for the work we've done for the archive," said , the USGA's film and video archivist. "It's important to try and preserve and save these film images for future generations to enjoy."

The USGA was nominated for the award by Cineric, Inc., a premier film preservation and restoration company. Cineric has worked with the USGA on preserving some historic golf footage, including the 1930 U.S. Open won by to secure the third leg of his 'Grand Slam.' Cineric also worked with the USGA on preserving film footage of the 1954 U.S. Women's Open, won by Babe Didrikson Zaharias in her comeback after battling cancer; also on Arnold Palmer's victory at the 1954 U.S. Amateur, an event he calls "the turning point" of his career.

"Sports play an important role in the development of American culture and serve as an integral part of everyday life," wrote Doody in a piece that appeared in the event program. "Throughout the 20th century, great moments in sports have been captured on film and have been presented to generation after generation as timeless classics. Some of these films, however, are in jeopardy of being lost forever without the proper care and attention they require."

Four years ago, the USGA began to perform restoration and preservation work on historic film footage, which not only featured great moments in the game's history, but also many of the individuals who helped bring the game to prominence. Some of these films were scratched, faded and in poor condition, but through restoration, have been restored to as close to its original condition as possible.

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