Posted on September 26, 2016 at 8:04 AM by Communications Department
James River Country Club Golf Museum Houses Oldest Golf Artifacts
Did you know that Newport News is home to the oldest golf museum in the U.S.?
The Golf Museum at James River Country Club in Newport News is the oldest golf museum in the country. It opened in 1932 and was founded by Archer Huntington, who also
started The Mariners’ Museum. Most of the items in the museum date back to the pre-1930s, when clubs and balls were constructed by hand. Among the highlights of the museum:
• The oldest identifiable golf club in the world, made in 1790.
• The oldest book in the world in reference to golf, dating back to 1566.
• The oldest golf ball in the world (made in 1790). The museum has 150 golf balls dating from 1790 to 1932.
• The largest collection of long-nosed wooden clubs in the world. The museum has 85.
• Two 19th century golf medals, one from 1826 and the other from 1838.
• Harry Vardon's complete set of clubs and golf bag from his win at the 1900 U. S. Open
• The putter used by Horace Rawlins when he won his first U.S. Open in 1895.
• Three clubs used by Bobby Jones in his championship years, including the Grand Slam in 1930.
• Clubs donated by Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, and other golf legends.
• A map of the Old Course at St. Andrews, drawn on a scroll in 1836.
The museum is free and open to the public. Although a membership to the James River Country Club is not needed for a museum tour, it is suggested to call ahead to schedule a tour between 9 AM and 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday. The Clubhouse can be reached at 757-595-3327.