A must for serious golfers and golf fans. Located only about 1 hour from Manhattan in beautiful horse country (Far Hills, New Jersey), the USGA museum contains plenty of history of the game. From old examples of golf clubs from around 1880, to the famous 1-iron Ben Hogan used at the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion, to the club astronaut Alan Shepard hit on the moon, they've got some great golf artifacts. A putting course will be opening soon too, where you will have the choice of using an old fashioned wooden mallet or "today's" putter.
The best part? Take the tour of the USGA testing lab (offered mid-day Tuesday thru Thursday) where they will show you the mechanical golf ball hitting robot that tests golf balls. They keep a fairway maintained on site for just such purpose!! Cool fact? Every golf ball manufacturer on the planet has to send every model of every ball it produces to this facility if it wishes to receive the USGA's blessing and be used on tour here. They check to make sure the balls conform. But dont try to ask them which specific ball(s) flys the farthest (as I did).......their lips are sealed, as the USGA never wants to appear as if it endorses anyone......they simply set and test standards to ensure legality. Cant fault a guy for trying though!!!! They also test the clubs here too to make sure they meet USGA standards and show you how they do this too. Net/net, the museum was cool, but the tour ruled, so make sure you go Tuesday thru Thursday! read more