PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – The Golf Heritage Society (GolfHeritage.org) announced an updated schedule of events for its 53rd GHS National Convention, to be held Oct. 16-19 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The GHS convention returns to the “Cradle of American Golf” for the fifth time.
A full agenda of golf history presentations is planned, as well as the ever-popular trade show, where some of the world’s most fascinating golf collectibles will be available for trade or purchase.
“The GHS convention program has something for everyone who loves the game of golf,” said Bill Robertson, president of the Society. “There is growing interest in the history of the game and, as a result, golf collecting is a ‘hot’ market these days. The trade show will offer items of interest to golfers of every age and income level.”
Wednesday, October 16
In the evening, the United States Golf Association will host a VIP tour and reception for GHS attendees at its new Golf House Pinehurst Campus. Included will be tours of the USGA’s Museum and newly-relocated World Golf Hall of Fame.
Thursday, Oct. 17
In the morning, the first of four educational sessions will be presented. Jan Ludwig, a longtime local historian and member of the Donald Ross Society, will discuss The Tin Whistle Society. It claims to be the oldest continuous men’s golfing society in the United States.
In the afternoon, the GHS National Golf Tournament will be staged at the Longleaf Golf and Family Club. Competitions will be held for players using hickory, classic (i.e., persimmon) and modern clubs. A “19th hole” reception will follow.
Friday, Oct. 18
Three educational seminars will follow the General Membership Meeting.
Jerry Austry, the past president of the Ben Hogan Co., will discuss his time and involvement with the legendary Hall of Famer known to many of his contemporaries as “The Hawk.” Hogan amassed nine major championships throughout his career, including four U.S. Opens, two Masters, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship.
“The Life and Times of Donald Ross” will be presented by Pinehurst resident and renowned golf course architect Richard Mandell. Regarded as one of the greatest of golf’s “Golden Age” architects, Ross designed more than 400 U.S. courses, including such renowned venues as Seminole, Oak Hill, and Oakland Hills. Many regard his greatest achievement as Pinehurst #2.
A third presentation, on the topic of “Art and Golf” will be delivered by Bob Hansen, a long-time GHS member and expert collector. Hansen’s local establishment, The Old Golf Shop, offers some of the world’s finest high quality golf collectibles, including original golf art and prints.
The evening will be marked by the GHS Annual Banquet at the Country Club of North Carolina, with Society honors being awarded and remarks by dinner speaker, Mike Hicks, the caddie and close friend of Payne Stewart. Hicks, a 33-year veteran of the PGA Tour, carried Stewart’s bag for a dozen years and was with him when Stewart won his third major and second U.S. Open at Pinehurst #2 in 1999.
Saturday, Oct. 14
The Annual Trade Show will run from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fascinating golf collectibles, including hickory golf hickory clubs, books, medals, trophies, ceramics and books, will be available for purchase.
Even modest collections create a greater connection for golfers to the game. Golf collectibles come in all price ranges; there’s ample opportunity for new collectors to have fun within a budget.
The trade show is free and open to the public. Free appraisals will be offered for collectibles that visitors bring to the show.