Georgia Golf Hall of Fame
Visit the Golf and Gardens Web site

If you've driven down Reynolds Street, between 12th and 13th streets, you've probably noticed construction crews busily working to make the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame a reality.

The 17-acre site only has a few trees but is expected to become a shrine that will preserve golf history in the state and region.

Completion of the $32 million Golf and Garden site is not expected until 2001 but when finished will serve as home to a 55,000-square-foot main building that will include a rotunda, interactive exhibit hall, theater, gift shop and administrative offices.

"When the Augusta Golf and Gardens is complete, the attraction will be something the whole family can enjoy, golfers and nongolfers, moms, dads, children. There will be something for everyone," said Cammie Jones, marketing and special events manager for the Golf Hall of Fame.

The idea for the Hall of Fame was born in 1982 when local attorney Sam Nicholson, then a state representative, initiated the legislation.

"We are extremely excited and gratified to begin construction on the site of what will become a major attraction for the city of Augusta," said Mr. Nicholson, board chairman for the Golf Hall of Fame. "The state of construction signifies the beginning of an attraction that has been a long time coming, but is definitely worth the wait."

The part of the center referred to as the garden hardscape is currently under construction. That phase has involved building the walkways, water features, perimeter walls, pergola and all the infrastructure and site work in preparation for planting. When the first phase is finished, various plants, flowers and shrubs will be planted before actual construction of the building.

This part of the center should cost about $7.5 million and will include rose, aquatic, azalea and butterfly gardens. The gardens will provide a home for larger-than-life-size bronze sculptures of golf's greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Raymond Floyd.

The bronze sculptures of Mr. Floyd and Mr. Hogan have been moved from the Augusta Riverwalk and put in storage until the gardens open, Ms. Jones said.

"They were moved because of past vandalism," she said. "We want to keep them picture perfect for the garden."

Statues of golf-greats Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer will stay where they are, Ms. Jones said.

Warren Y. Yobe, senior vice president for the Southern Co., Georgia Power's parent company, is heading a group charged with raising the last $9 million needed to finish the project.

Fore! Augusta, the local non-profit fund-raising arm for the Golf Hall of Fame, has already raised nearly $6 million. The 1999 GGHF Golf Tournament, in Greensboro, Ga., also has benefited the project, and the state legislature also has donated $6 million.

Officials are hoping to complete the project in early 2002. For more information, visit the website.

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