Georgia Historical Society

Behind the Swing: The History and Science of Golf

Augusta Attractions collaborate for a weeklong look ‘behind the swing’

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA (4/2/09) -  Augusta Museum of History and National Science Center’s Fort Discovery are collaborating to present Behind the Swing: The History and Science of Golf, a weeklong collaboration of exhibitions and programming on Augusta’s favorite pastime – golf, Monday, April 6 – Sunday, April 12, 2009. 

The History of Golf is showcased at the Augusta Museum of History through the exhibition, Stories and Legends:  Remembering the Augusta National.  From the Augusta National Golf Club’s beginnings in 1934, when Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones proposed the club host an annual tournament to notable patrons, including Bing Crosby and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this special exhibit highlights the personalities and forces that shaped the Augusta National Golf Club into the home of the world’s greatest tournament.  The exhibit also chronicles the career of Phil Wahl, longtime club manager of the Augusta National, and includes his personal memorabilia and club correspondence.  Augusta has a rich golf heritage, beginning in the early 1900s when Augusta and Aiken served as winter resorts for visitors from the North.  Stories and Legends explores the past and how Augusta developed into the capital of golf worldwide.   

Also in celebration of this weeklong look at golf, the major motion picture Bobby Jones:  Stroke of Genius will be playing in the History Theater at the Museum.  The film and exhibition are included in the cost of regular Museum admission of $4 for Adults, $3 for Seniors, $2 for Children ages 6 – 18, and free for children ages 5 and under.  

The Science of Golf will be displayed at the National Science Center’s Fort Discovery.   The science behind the golf swing will be analyzed as visitors experience golf Power Stations (live science demonstrations).  Golf is a game of strategies, but there also is a science behind it.  From why balls have dimples to why a putt curves, Fort Discovery explores the physics, math and technology of the modern game.   And, join in the game in virtual reality!

"We are committed to fostering the cultural and educational offerings in Augusta and partnerships with attractions like the History Museum help achieve this goal.” said Rob Dennis, President and CEO of The National Science Center. 

Augusta Museum of History Executive Director, Nancy Glaser said, “We’re pleased to celebrate Augusta’s favorite pastime with a world-class education institution like The National Science Center’s Fort Discovery.  Institutions like Fort Discovery and the Augusta Museum of History educate, inform, enlighten, and entertain the residents and visitors to the CSRA, and contribute significantly to the economic vitality and quality of life here.”  

Behind the Swing: The History and Science of Golf will run April 6 – 12, 2009 at The National Science Center’s Fort Discovery and the Augusta Museum of History, both located in downtown Augusta.  Through exhibitions, films, and demonstrations, Behind the Swing, takes a look at the history of golf in Augusta and the science behind the modern game. 

Augusta Museum of History, the only Museum in the CSRA accredited by the American Association of Museums, was established in 1937 for the purpose of preserving and sharing the material history of Augusta and the region.  From a 10,000 year-old projectile point to a 1914 locomotive, the collections chronicle a rich and fascinating past.  The museum is located at 560 Reynolds Street in downtown Augusta.  Please call (706) 722-8454 for more information or visit our website www.augustamuseum.org.

Hours:  Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Closed Monday

Admission:  Adult: $4 • Senior: $3 • Child (6-18): $2 • Child (5 & under): Free

Open Monday of Masters Week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The National Science Center’s Fort Discovery is located on the scenic Riverwalk in downtown Augusta at 1 7^th Street. This 128,000 square-foot family-oriented math and science center fires the imaginations of children and adults by making math, science and technology come alive.  Your Fort Discovery experience will be one to remember with 250 hands-on exhibits, custom digital programs in the Paul S. Simon Discovery Theater, a StarLab planetarium, Martian Towers, a Kidscape Gallery for young scientists seven and under, educational workshops, exciting daily demonstrations in the PowerStation, an indoor lightening storm and outdoor high-wire bike. 

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.

Admission: $8 (Adults), $6 (children, age 55+, military with ID)

Please call (800) 325-5445 or (706) 821-0200 for more information or visit www.NationalScienceCenter.org.