By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Pinehurst, N.C. — The United States Golf Association held its grand opening Friday for its new headquarters in Pinehurst.

The new building at 3 Carolina Vista Drive in Pinehurst includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The facility also has several other attractions, including:

• The USGA Experience: An immersive view of golf and the USGA’s work to unify, showcase, govern and advance the game. Designed by Luci Creative, the Science of Golf and Championship galleries feature interactive multimedia displays that incorporate augmented reality, interactive touch screens, sculptures and trophies;
• USGA Golf Museum Special Exhibitions that highlight the USGA’s deep collection of golf artifacts – the most comprehensive collection in the world.
• The USGA’s Research and Test Center: The only one of its kind in North America solely dedicated to testing golf balls and clubs for conformance to the Rules of Golf;
• The Glade: The USGA’s outdoor learning landscape that will help to elevate awareness of the USGA’s ongoing work to help make golf more sustainable, with native plants and pollinator habitats;
• The Grove: A restoration of the ancient longleaf pine forest native to the region, through a unique partnership with North Carolina State University;
• The USGA Shop where golfers can purchase various products with the USGA championship logo of their choice as well as exhibit-related specialty items.

Starting May 15, the exhibit will be free and open to the public.

The new facility is full of historic artifacts, including a signed outfit worn by Payne Stewart at the 1999 U.S. Open.

Friday’s grand opening comes before next month’s U.S. Open, which is at Pinehurst No. 2.

The 2024 U.S. Open is set for June 13-16.

Also, Pinehurst will host the U.S. Open in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047.

Source: wralsportsfan.com