US Golf Association Holding Special Summer Events, Longer Hours

The United States Golf Association Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History in Bernards Township is planning special summer events and extended hours of operation at the museum and the Pynes Putting Course this summer, starting on July 11.

The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special events planned between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. four four consecutive weeks between July 11 to Aug. 1 at the USGA's property at at 77 Liberty Corner Road in the Far Hills section of Bernards Township.

Kicking off these summer hours and special events, visitors will have an opportunity to meet one of the authors of “Great Moments of the U.S. Open,” and purchase a signed copy of the newest USGA publication on July 11, according to information from the USGA. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

On July 18, in addition to museum tours and putting, the public can come by to see the first segment of the new USGA documentary series, “Spirit of the U.S. Open,” titled “Front Page News.” The second segment, titled “Men of Iron,” is scheduled to be shown on July 25.

As a special celebration to close the summer series on Aug. 1, the USGA will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1913 U.S. Open and Francis Ouimet’s victory in the three-way playoff with golf titans Harry Vardon and Ted Ray — the match that started a golf boom in America.

There will be a special screening of Disney’s “The Greatest Game Ever Played” for young and old alike. Signed copies of the new children’s book “Francis and Eddie” by award-winning author Brad Herzog and award-winning illustrator Zachary Pullen will be available for purchase.

Although Museum admission will be waived during extended hours on these four evenings, there is a small green fee to play the Pynes Putting Course.

The admission to the course includes use of replica vintage putters and a souvenir replica vintage golf ball. Guests of all ages will be able to experience golf the way it used to be played on a 16,000-square-foot, nine-hole green inspired by the famed Himalayas green in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Any player who achieves a “hole-in-one” will receive a personalized certificate marking their accomplishment, the USGA offered.

All golf fans in the public are welcome to come and spend a summer evening at the museum with games, movies and prizes.