The World Golf Village opened more than 24 years ago at what was believed to be a strategic spot by I-95, with a three-day festival that included parties, cover bands, fireworks, the induction of Nick Faldo and Johnny Miller into the Hall of Fame and the challenge in a commercial by charter member Gary Player: “For the love of golf, you’ve got to go.”
Not enough have.
The World Golf Foundation announced on Wednesday that the Hall of Fame and Museum building, which has more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, will close by the end of 2023, apparently a victim of dwindling attendance that saw visitation drop from around 280,000 at its peak to 60,000 last year.
The pending closure won’t immediately affect the Caddyshack restaurant, the Renaissance Hotel, the St. Johns Country Convention Center, the two golf courses associated with the World Golf Village and the PGA Tour Golf Academy, which all presumably will remain open since they are owned or operated outside the foundation’s purview.
The Hall of Fame declined through a spokesman to cite specifics or comment on financial elements regarding the decision.
The Hall’s assets in the locker room exhibit, including the burnished wood lockers assigned to the 164 Hall of Fame members with personal contents they or their families have donated, will be shipped to the Pinehurst Resort to be part of the United States Golf Association’s museum that will open in 2024.
The USGA will be offered other artifacts, but most will be returned to living Hall of Fame members or the families of those who are deceased, as well as their Hall of Fame plaques that adorn the wall of the main rotunda on the second floor.
The World Golf Foundation owns the Museum building but the land is owned by St. Johns County. A 25-year lease with the county and a bond issue with the state expire at the end of 2023.
What happens to the massive building with a 190-foot tower and the land surrounding it is under discussion. A Hall of Fame spokesman said its officials have been meeting with stakeholders, including the county and World Golf Village partners to evaluate options on the best future use for the area.
Input from residents around the village also will be sought. Details will be made available at a later date.
St. Johns County Commission chairman Henry Dean was optimistic that the property can be viable and vibrant in the future, given the growth surrounding it.
“I’m sorry the Hall of Fame did not work out as…
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