Golf: The Greatest Game at the Greensboro Historical Museum

Golf: The Greatest Game October 2nd through February 27th
What is it about a club and a ball that entice so many? Is it the hole in one? The long drive? The challenge of the green vs. man? Even Greensboro’s Alexander W. McAlister was fascinated with the game when he discovered it during his trip to Maine. In fact, he was so intrigued by the sport that he returned to Greensboro NC, drilled holes in his front yard, and added an outdoor light for night play. It was at that very moment in 1908 that Greensboro NC was introduced to the game of Golf.

On October 2nd the Greensboro Historical Museum will reveal the exhibit, “Golf the Greatest Game”. The Greater Greensboro Open section of the exhibit is the result of collaboration between the Museum, and the founders of the tournament, the Jaycees. The exhibit will also feature a USGA Traveling exhibition and a collection of 19th Century Golf Clubs.

Visitors can expect to see several pictures and objects from the Greater Greensboro Open, including the first “Green Coat” which belonged to Mac Arnold, dating back to 1956; photographs taken by Carol W. Martin that preserve over 50 years of the golf tournament; and the Sam Snead Cup. Video clips from the 1938 tournament will also be shown in the gallery.

In addition, there is a chronological timeline that further tells the story of Greensboro golf. Images and captions share the contributions of the father of Greensboro golf - A. W. McAlister. Homage is paid to the “Greensboro Six”; the African Americans arrested for trying to integrate the City’s segregated Gillespie Park Golf Course in 1955. There is an image of Estelle Lawson Page, winner of the U.S.A. Women’s Amateur title. Local golfer and instructor Murphy Street is seen raising his putter to celebrate his final-hole birdie that won him the victory over Charlotte’s James Black in the 1969 Gate City Open.

Many visitors will also have a chance to take a swing at a hole in one on the “clock golf”; which is similar to today’s put-put. The game was originally created and placed at Greensboro’s Nocho Park to introduce African American youth to the sport. When the exhibit closes, the “clock golf” will be dedicated back to the community in honor of the Greensboro Six.

In addition to Greensboro golf history, visitors can expect to see a USGA traveling exhibit, photographs spanning 100 years of golf. The images capture the passion of golf legends and famous celebrities. In the Lindsay lobby, a mini exhibit will feature a private collection of handmade 19th century golf clubs and golf balls associated with St. Andrews, Scotland natives and golfers Robert White and “ole” Tom Morris, referred to as the father of golf.

The first 300 to attend the grand opening of the exhibit on October 2nd will each receive a complimentary ticket to the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. Golf: The Greatest Game October 2nd through February 27th
What is it about a club and a ball that entice so many? Is it the hole in one? The long drive? The challenge of the green vs. man? Even Greensboro’s Alexander W. McAlister was fascinated with the game when he discovered it during his trip to Maine. In fact, he was so intrigued by the sport that he returned to Greensboro NC, drilled holes in his front yard, and added an outdoor light for night play. It was at that very moment in 1908 that Greensboro NC was introduced to the game of Golf.

On October 2nd the Greensboro Historical Museum will reveal the exhibit, “Golf the Greatest Game”. The Greater Greensboro Open section of the exhibit is the result of collaboration between the Museum, and the founders of the tournament, the Jaycees. The exhibit will also feature a USGA Traveling exhibition and a collection of 19th Century Golf Clubs.

Visitors can expect to see several pictures and objects from the Greater Greensboro Open, including the first “Green Coat” which belonged to Mac Arnold, dating back to 1956; photographs taken by Carol W. Martin that preserve over 50 years of the golf tournament; and the Sam Snead Cup. Video clips from the 1938 tournament will also be shown in the gallery.

In addition, there is a chronological timeline that further tells the story of Greensboro golf. Images and captions share the contributions of the father of Greensboro golf - A. W. McAlister. Homage is paid to the “Greensboro Six”; the African Americans arrested for trying to integrate the City’s segregated Gillespie Park Golf Course in 1955. There is an image of Estelle Lawson Page, winner of the U.S.A. Women’s Amateur title. Local golfer and instructor Murphy Street is seen raising his putter to celebrate his final-hole birdie that won him the victory over Charlotte’s James Black in the 1969 Gate City Open.

Many visitors will also have a chance to take a swing at a hole in one on the “clock golf”; which is similar to today’s put-put. The game was originally created and placed at Greensboro’s Nocho Park to introduce African American youth to the sport. When the exhibit closes, the “clock golf” will be dedicated back to the community in honor of the Greensboro Six.

In addition to Greensboro golf history, visitors can expect to see a USGA traveling exhibit, photographs spanning 100 years of golf. The images capture the passion of golf legends and famous celebrities. In the Lindsay lobby, a mini exhibit will feature a private collection of handmade 19th century golf clubs and golf balls associated with St. Andrews, Scotland natives and golfers Robert White and “ole” Tom Morris, referred to as the father of golf.

The first 300 to attend the grand opening of the exhibit on October 2nd will each receive a complimentary ticket to the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.