PGA History Exhibit Coming to Johns Creek

The PGA Championship returns to the for the third time in its now 93 years running. It brings with it to Johns Creek some of golf’s most legendary memorabilia—including Tiger Woods’ shoes, Walter Hagen’s walking stick and a straw hat worn by Sam Snead—and acclaimed artifacts—like Jack Nicklaus’ putter that helped him capture the 1980 PGA Championship and Phil Mickelson’s wedge that clinched his victory on the 18th hole in 2005. 

Recognized as "A History of the Season's Final Major,” the traveling PGA Championship History Exhibit reveals the origin, tradition and history of the PGA Championship and traces its past 92 champions from Jim Barnes capturing the Wanamaker Trophy in 1916, through Martin Kaymer’s recent triumph in 2010.

The exhibit is only displayed publicly for a few months each year prior to the PGA Championship, and this year, the City of Johns Creek—the host city of championship—in cooperation with the Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau, presents the exhibit at the Johns Creek Welcome Center, free of charge.

According to Rosemary Taylor, communications manager for the City of Johns Creek, the city competed with the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau and the CNN Center downtown to host this exhibit. When asked why Johns Creek was the best location for the exhibit, she said, “We’ll make something special out of it.”

In fact, to accompany the PGA exhibit, the will present its aptly titled “Birdies and Eagles” display, which includes interactive aspects for children. In addition, at the Welcome Center, the will showcase local artists’ pottery and ceramics, and the Johns Creek Arts Alliance will have information available.  

Taylor says Johns Creek is excited to offer this rare opportunity for golf aficionados and Johns Creek citizens alike to see the exhibit that only runs a few months per year and has only been presented in Georgia twice before. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker continues, “We invite our residents and guests from across the world to stop by and enjoy this engaging and informative look at the game of golf. It is a fun exhibit for visitors of all ages.”

Taylor also says that visiting the exhibit is a wonderful way for out-of-towners to learn about Johns Creek. According to Taylor, volunteers will not only greet visitors to the exhibit, they will also offer information about area parks and arts programs and pass out brochures on local lodging, dining and shopping options.

Some volunteers are still needed to staff the center and greet visitors to the exhibit. Taylor says that golf guys and gals would be real assets to the staff, but anyone is welcome to apply. For more information on joining this volunteer opportunity, contact Maggie Barker at 678-512-3200 or Maggie.Barker@JohnsCreekGA.gov.

The PGA Championship History Exhibit visits Johns Creek on Tuesday, June 7, through Sunday, Aug. 14. The exhibit will be on display in the Johns Creek Welcome Center at Johns Creek Walk, 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, just three miles from the Atlanta Athletic Club.

The exhibit is free of charge and will be open on Tuesdays from noon until 8 p.m. and Wednesdays through Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. (The Welcome Center is closed Mondays, except during Championship Week:  Monday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 14.) The center features ample free parking adjacent to the facility. For more information, call 678-512-3200, or visit JohnsCreekGA.gov/pga or JohnsCreekCVB.com.