'Innovations in Golf: The PGA Championship Exhibit' debuts July 17 in Milwaukee

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- "Innovations in Golf: The PGA Championship Exhibit" will open July 17 at Discovery World in downtown Milwaukee in celebration of the 97th PGA Championship, which will make its third visit to Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, Aug. 10-16, 2015. Fans interested in purchasing tickets for this major golf championship should visit www.PGAChampionship.com.

Through early 2015, golf enthusiasts and history lovers can enjoy a tour of some of the rarest artifacts and memorabilia that trace the tradition and evolution of the PGA Championship and its 95 Champions, including a display of 2013 PGA Champion Jason Dufner.

The Exhibit features historic items and authentic replicas spanning from Jim Barnes' hickory driver used to capture the inaugural PGA Championship in 1916, to John Daly's "Grip It 'N Rip It" driver, used in winning the 1991 PGA Championship, to Tiger Woods' iconic Scotty Cameron putter from 1999.

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A special exhibit also pays homage to Gene Sarazen, who won the PGA Championship at Blue Mound Country Club in Milwaukee in 1933. The one-of-a-kind display features Sarazen's very own jacket (which commemorates him becoming the first professional career grand slam winner), as well as his bucket hat, shirt, pants, tie and shoes.

"'Innovations in Golf: The PGA Championship Exhibit' is a special journey behind the great Champions who have been both premier performers and leaders in the advancement of golf worldwide," said PGA President Ted Bishop. "The PGA of America is pleased that Discovery World will serve as host to this remarkable collection, which I had the pleasure of touring last year with Rory McIlroy. Wisconsin fans are passionate about sports, and we're excited about their support of the 97th PGA Championship through this fascinating exhibit."

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Discovery World is a 120,000-square foot facility that includes interactive science, technology and freshwater exhibits, learning labs, theaters, television and audio studios, and fresh and saltwater aquariums. Along with these permanent attractions, Discovery World has served as home to "Baseball -- Innovations That Changed the Game" and "Innovations in Football" -- seasonal exhibits designed to bridge the gap between science and sports.

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with the PGA of America and bring this great exhibit to our members and golf fans throughout the Midwest," said Discovery World President Joel Brennan. "With next year's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, this opportunity allows Discovery World to now offer an in-depth look at the innovations that have transformed the game of golf over the past century. This experience is designed for participants and fans and will enthrall lifelong golf enthusiasts, as well as families and school groups."

Discovery World is located at 500 N. Harbor Dr. in Milwaukee. The Exhibit will be open Tuesdays-Fridays from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays. Admission to the Museum is: $16.95 for adults; $14.95 for seniors 60 and over; $12.95 for children 3-17; $10 for active duty military; and $9.95 for college students. Admission is free for children under the age of 3. For more information, visit www.discoveryworld.org or call (414) 765-9966.

Fans interested in purchasing 2015 PGA Championship tickets must complete the required, free online pre-registration at www.PGAChampionship.com prior to Aug. 11, 2014, to be eligible to purchase tickets during the public sale, which will run from Aug. 11-30, 2014.

Ticket seekers will be placed into groups based on the date they pre-registered, so the earlier that people pre-register, the better positioned they will be to purchase the most popular tickets. Ticket information is also available by calling (800) PGA-GOLF.