The World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla. will feature one of golf’s greatest ambassadors in a special exhibition, “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory,” that will open in conjunction with the 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this November. The announcement was made today at the 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic hosted by George Lopez at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif.
“Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory” will be the Hall of Fame’s showcase member exhibition throughout 2009 and will offer the largest collection of Hope golf memorabilia ever available on public display.
Linda Hope, Bob Hope’s daughter, said, “The family is thrilled that the World Golf Hall of Fame is going to exhibit Dad’s golf memorabilia. Dad would have loved the idea that things he saved and cherished will finally be shared with others who love the game of golf.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased to announce this upcoming exhibition featuring beloved Hall of Fame member Bob Hope,” said Jack Peter, the Hall’s Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the Hope family and Bob Hope Legacy and look forward to collaborating with them on the project. We believe the stories told in this exhibition will resonate with our guests and they will enjoy every aspect of the experience.”
“Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory” will feature rich storytelling alongside hundreds of artifacts that represent Hope’s broad range of talents — from vaudeville to entertaining troops — and naturally, will include his passion for the game of golf.
Often quoted as having said, “Golf is my profession. I tell jokes to pay my greens fees,” Hope is considered by many to be the game’s greatest promoter. While having admitted to playing 2,000 golf courses around the world — often with celebrities, professionals and presidents — Hope’s affection for golf went beyond playing, making an impact as an author, promoter, sponsor and educator of the game. The exhibition will look at the various ways he championed the game, including the development and hosting of the PGA TOUR’s Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
The exhibition will explore Hope’s worldwide recognition and appeal that was displayed through live entertainment, radio, television, books and movies throughout each decade of the 20th century. And, it will look at the impact Hope made as a fervent entertainer of U.S. Troops that was validated in 1997 when he became the first person in American history to be named an Honorary Veteran.
President Gerald Ford said, “Bob Hope is the only person I know who says that the White House is his favorite Bed and Breakfast in Washington, D.C.,” a comment that while humorous, also reveals a great deal about the relationships Hope maintained with the leaders of this county for so many decades. The exhibition will focus on memorabilia and many fascinating stories about his friendships with presidents, as well as feature the camaraderie he shared with other celebrities, dignitaries, Hall of Fame members and the like.
“Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory” is the latest in a series of Hall of Fame member-focused exhibitions developed by the World Golf Hall of Fame. Other members that have been featured include Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.
About the World Golf Hall of Fame
World Golf Hall of Fame, located in St. Augustine, Fla., is the ultimate destination for the celebration and recognition of golf’s greatest players and contributors and an inspiration to golfers and fans throughout the world. A collaboration of 26 national and international golf organizations support the Hall of Fame, including the PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, PGA of America and The R&A. The museum houses interactive exhibits and historic and personal artifacts that tell the stories of its members and the game of golf.