In honour of the 2006 Ryder Cup, the World Golf Hall of Fame and Waterford Crystal, an official sponsor of the 2006 Ryder Cup, have unveiled a special exhibit at the Waterford Crystal visitor centre in Ireland. The exhibit, “The World Golf Hall of Fame and Waterford Crystal Present: A Tribute to the Ryder Cup” features the stories of Hall of Fame members who have participated on or captained Ryder Cup teams over the years. The exhibit will move to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks in Dublin for the months of August and September 2006, then return to Waterford until summer 2007.
The project marks the first time the World Golf Hall of Fame has opened an exhibit outside of its museum in St. Augustine, Florida, and collaborated with another museum to present an exhibit. The display is expected to draw in excess of 500,000 visitors between the two locations throughout its seventeen-month stay in Ireland.
The exhibit provides a historical overview of The Ryder Cup, including the origin of The Matches, scores, venues and captains, and video of significant Ryder Cup moments. From wartime matches of the 1940s to the story of Nicklaus and Jacklin’s “concession” in 1969 and comeback prediction by Crenshaw (U.S. Captain) in 1999, the exhibits looks at significant moments in the history of the tournament through the achievements of the Hall’s members.
Thirteen Hall of Fame members have donated or loaned personal artefacts for the exhibits, including Seve Ballesteros, Billy Casper, Neil Coles, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Faldo, Raymond Floyd, Tony Jacklin, Tom Kite, Bernhard Langer, Gene Littler, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Payne Stewart.
“Creating an exhibit to be displayed at Waterford Crystal visitor centre and National Museum of Ireland as the Ryder Cup makes its first appearance in that country is a great opportunity to share the story of the Hall of Fame and our members with a keen international audience,” said Jack Peter, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “We are grateful for the assistance we’ve received from our members, the National Museum of Ireland, PGA European Tour and PGA of America, as well as the support we’ve received from Waterford Crystal, to bring the exhibit to life.”
Items on display will include Nicklaus’ 1969 Team blazer, Jacklin’s 1989 Ryder Cup Trophy, Stewart’s uniquely designed Ryder Cup headwear and Crenshaw’s famous Sunday team shirt from the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline, and much more. The exhibit also will carry one of only five full-scale Ryder Cup trophies.
Brian McGee, sales and marketing director of Waterford Crystal said, “For over 60 years Waterford Crystal has been associated with incredible moments of achievement in the world of international sport. When the idea emerged for this exhibit, we recognized it immediately as a unique opportunity to be involved in the sport of golf, and a great occasion to work with the World Golf Hall of Fame, with whom we share a great relationship.”
Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum of Ireland said, “We are delighted to host this unique historical exhibition of The Ryder Cup at Collins Barracks and we hope that by offering visitors an insight into the personal stories behind the achievements, it will give people a greater connection with this prestigious sporting event.”
The exhibit at the National Museum of Ireland also will look at Waterford’s involvement in the sport of golf over the years.
World Golf Hall of Fame www.wgv.com
Waterford Crystal www.waterford.ie
National Museum of Ireland www.museum.ie
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