On May 27, the USGA Museum held a grand opening ceremony for The Jack Nicklaus Room. The new space, which celebrates the life and career of the 18-time major champion, joins galleries that honor Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Mickey Wright. The 1,200-square-foot exhibit space contains more than 80 artifacts, several on loan from the Jack Nicklaus Museum in Columbus, Ohio.

From his first U.S. Open victory in 1962 to his last Green Jacket in 1986, Nicklaus had the skill and the determination to compete more successfully than anyone else in golf’s major championships. He compiled the best amateur record since his hero, Bob Jones, capped his career by winning the Grand Slam in 1930. Nicklaus won two U.S. Amateurs and played on two victorious USA Walker Cup Teams. He turned professional in November 1961 and embarked on a career that included 73 PGA Tour victories and a record 18 major championship titles. He won a record-tying four U.S. Opens, six Masters Tournaments, three British Opens and five PGA Championships—an amazing testament to his three decades of sustained excellence.

Nicklaus did not become golf’s greatest major champion on ability alone, however. His competitive spirit, self-belief, commitment, integrity, perseverance and vision were among the values that helped turn his unquestioned skills into unmatched success. The room chronicles Nicklaus’ accomplishments by utilizing 10 touchscreen interactives, which allow visitors to hear directly from Jack. Nicklaus uses his own words to tell you what made him a successful player; respected golf course designer and businessman; and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. By utilizing this first-person narrative technique, we hoped to create a uniquely personal and intimate experience.

Some of the highlights of the room include a painting of Nicklaus, shown at the peak of his career during his 1972 U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach. The artist, Harold Riley, has painted portraits of popes, U.S. presidents and the Royal Family of the British Monarchy. There is also a bronze sculpture of Nicklaus, created by renowned artist Zenos Frudakis. Jack is shown celebrating a birdie on the 71^st hole of the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol. The image is one of his wife Barbara’s favorites. Some of the iconic artifacts in the room include:

• The 3-wood he used from 1958 through 1995. He won all 18 of his professional majors and both U.S. Amateurs using it.
• His “White Fang,” Acushnet Bull’s Eye Putter, which he used to win the 1967 U.S. Open.
• The 1-iron he used to win seven major championships and hit two of his most memorable shots – the 238-yard approach to the 72nd hole at Baltusrol in 1967 and the tee shot at the 71st hole at Pebble Beach in 1972.
• The caddie overalls worn by his son, Jack Nicklaus II, at the 1986 Masters where Nicklaus won his 18^th major championship.
• The invitation and a napkin from his 1960 wedding to Barbara, his wife of 55 years.

TORONTO (June 29, 2015) – Lanny McDonald, incoming Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame and John Davidson, Chairman of the Selection Committee, announced today that seven individuals have been elected to Hockey Hall of Fame Honoured Membership, five in the Player Category and two in the Builder Category.  The vote took place today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

“The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these seven hockey legends as Honoured Members,” said John Davidson.  “Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

In the Builder Category, Bill Hay and Peter Karmanos Jr. were elected.

The first NCAA graduate to play in the National Hockey League, Bill Hay’s contributions to hockey span from grassroots to the professional level. His distinguished hockey resume includes contributions made while serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hockey Canada, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Flames, and most recently as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Being recognized by my hockey peers is truly a great honour,” said Hay. “Seeing the game – and the Hockey Hall of Fame – become truly international has been a tremendously rewarding experience.”

One of hockey’s great benefactors, Peter Karmanos Jr. has helped enable the success of dozens of American hockey teams and thousands of players. The Detroit native captured a Stanley Cup as Chief Executive Officer, Owner and Governor of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.

“Being included in the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2015 ranks right up there with winning the Stanley Cup,” said Karmanos. “Hockey has a special place in my heart. It is the greatest team sport, and I believe the greatest game a boy or girl could play. Giving more kids the chance to play at the highest levels has truly been a labour of love.”

In the Player category, Sergei Fedorov, Phil Housley, Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger and Angela Ruggiero were elected.

The first Russian to reach the 1,000 point milestone in the NHL, Sergei Fedorov played in six All Star Games, captured three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 1994.

“I have always played hockey because I loved it, not because I wanted to win awards,” said Fedorov. “But now that my career is over I realize how special it is to be recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame. I am deeply honoured to be an inductee.”

The second-leading scorer all-time amongst U.S.-born players, defenseman Phil Housley played in seven All Star Games over a remarkable twenty three season NHL career. He also ranks third all-time among all NHL defensemen in scoring.

“I am absolutely elated to be entering the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2015,” said Housley. “One glance at the Legends who have already been enshrined proves that this really is the ultimate honour for a hockey player.”

A seven-time recipient of the James Norris trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Nicklas Lidstrom also captured four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and an Olympic Gold Medal for Sweden.

“During my hockey career I was always focused on the next game or the next season, so I never allowed myself to imagine I’d be hearing from the Hockey Hall of Fame” said Lindstrom. “I took a lot of pride in being dedicated to the game, so it means a great deal to me to be recognized by those who know the game the best.”

One of the toughest competitors to ever patrol the blue line, Chris Pronger captured both the Hart Memorial Trophy and James Norris Trophy in 2000. The native of Dryden, Ontario also captured two Olympic Gold Medals for Canada and a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.

“It’s very humbling to be included alongside the esteemed group of players and builders in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2015,” said Pronger. “It’s very exciting to think about becoming an Honoured Member. It’s certainly something I didn’t expect while playing.”

The youngest member of the team that captured the first-ever Olympic Gold Medal in women’s ice hockey, Angela Ruggiero went on to help the United States capture four more Gold and six Silver World Championship medals. The defenceman from Panorama City, California, was also named Harvard’s player of the year three times.

“I’ve visited the Hockey Hall of Fame many times, and never get tired of learning about the rich tradition of the inductees,” said Ruggiero, who is the fourth female ever elected for induction. “The fact that I’m now joining them is very special, and the greatest accomplishment I can think of as a hockey player.”

The 2015 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 9^th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.   For more information regarding the 2015 Induction Weekend/Celebration, visit http://www.hhof.com.

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame are pleased to welcome to the province renowned historian, author and founding member of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mr. Phil S. Dixon.

Barnstorming on the Prairies

– Wednesday, June 17, Saskatoon
– Thursday, June 18, Regina

Mr. Dixon will be delivering presentations in both Saskatoon and Regina recounting a significant time in baseball history – that of the barnstorming tours of the Negro Baseball League into Western Canada in the 1930s & 1940s.  As part of a 90 city North American tour, Mr. Dixon follows the touring path of the Kansas City Monarchs and their legendary players including Jackie Robinson, Leroy Satchel Paige, Ernie Banks, and Wilbur “Bullet” Rogan.

Mr. Dixon states, “Most people have heard of Jackie Robinson, some have heard of Satchel Paige, many have heard of the Kansas City Monarchs but few know how connected they were to your local community.  In honor of the 90th Anniversary of the Monarchs’ first World’s Championship in 1924, I am returning to 90 cities where they played games to present this team’s unique history, and I do so with a local twist.”

Delivering an illustrated presentation with historic photographs, entertaining stories and colourful baseball poetry, Mr. Dixon talks about games played in our province against local competition as well as the history of African-American ball players from our communities who participated in the Negro Leagues.

Many people are unaware of how their communities played an integral role in the success of Negro League Baseball and overall goodwill throughout North America at a time when it was exceedingly difficult and impossible in some areas for Black people to travel. However, the teams from the Negro League traveled and were welcomed to towns and cities to play baseball. Now that history can reach places and people who may not ever get to the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Presentations will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 3:00 pm at the Saskatoon Public Library, Cliff Wright Branch auditorium and Thursday, June 18, at 3:00 pm at the Regina Public Library, Central Branch theatre.

Admission is free but donations to the Halls of Fame would be appreciated.

Support for this program is made possible through funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries.

Information with visuals can be found on website: http://sasksportshalloffame.com/barnstorming-baseball-on-the-prairies-commemoration-tour-saskatoon-regina/

The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., has a new look after an extensive renovation.

Click here for more information.

With American Pharoah’s win in Kentucky Derby 141, several exhibits inside the Kentucky Derby Museum will be updated to reflect our latest winner.

The Winner’s Circle exhibit, updated each season to reflect the look and feel of our Kentucky Derby winner, will be on display with a replica horse made to resemble American Pharoah, right down to his silks and shoes. American Pharoah will also be featured in Capture the Moment, which greets guests as they enter the Museum lobby and gives guests a sense of what Derby day was like through photography and video.

“The Greatest Race,” the Museum’s 360-degree film that brings the Kentucky Derby story to life, will feature American Pharoah and his epic journey to the Finish Line. American Pharoah will also be added to our timeline honoring all past Kentucky Derby winners and video of his win will be available inside the Warner L. Jones Time Machine.

Kentucky Derby Museum announces naming of the D. Wayne Lukas Gallery

The Kentucky Derby Museum is proud to announce the naming of the D. Wayne Lukas Gallery, in honor of the Hall of Fame trainer and four-time Kentucky Derby winner.

The D. Wayne Lukas Gallery is the primary area dedicated to educational programming presented by the Museum. The Education Department strives to promote the Kentucky Derby to all ages, and uses the race as a connector to teach content in math, social studies, language arts, science and music to over 60,000 students annually. A former educator, Lukas represents qualities the Education Department strives to achieve through his love of Thoroughbreds and success in the racing industry.

A native of Wisconsin, Lukas has four Kentucky Derby victories among his many accomplishments: Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996) and Charismatic (1999).  Lukas originally was a teacher and basketball coach prior to starting his Thoroughbred career by training quarter horses, and is still affectionately known as “The Coach” among his peers and fans. He is also known for taking a child to the Winner’s Circle to share in the biggest moments of his career.

Film gets makeover

“The Greatest Race,” the Kentucky Derby Museum’s 360-degree high-definition film, will receive an extensive makeover and upgrade during the 2015 season.

The film will follow the same basic format as the original, which provides all the action and brings the Kentucky Derby story alive for the Museum’s 200,000 annual visitors. Shooting took place during the 141^st running of the Kentucky Derby using 4k projectors, an increase of five times to the original, with enhanced acoustics and display to accompany updated scenes and stories from recent winners. Once “The Greatest Race” is completed, it will be the largest 4k video display by pixel count in the world

The Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame is hosting the 2015 Canadian Association for Sport Heritage (CASH) conference in Halifax, June 10-12 at The Westin Nova Scotian. The conference welcomes delegates from sport heritage organizations throughout the province and across the country. Two days of sessions feature topics from Board recruitment, to the induction process, to new technology in museums.

The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum’s newest exhibit, Whistleblowers: Referees & Umpires in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, is now on display in the museum’s rotunda.  Featuring game-worn uniforms, rule books, penalty flags, and photographs, the exhibit highlights the handful of sports officials in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame such as college football referee Jimmy Harper, basketball referee Sally Smalley Bell, and boxing referee Mills Lane.  Whistleblowers: Referees & Umpires in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is scheduled to remain on display through August.