Traveling PGA Championship History Exhibit opens in Kohler

From May 12 through August 22, golf enthusiasts and history lovers can enjoy a free tour of The PGA Championship History Exhibit -- A History of the Season's Final Major, a traveling exhibit featuring some of the rarest artifacts and memorabilia celebrating the tradition of the PGA Championship and its past 91 Champions. The PGA Championship History Exhibit, located at The Shops at Woodlake Kohler, located in the Village of Kohler, Wis., will be open daily from noon to 4 p.m. CDT. Hours of operation during PGA Championship week are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT, Aug. 9-14, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. CDT on Aug. 15. The space will also be available for private party rentals after hours. The 92nd PGA Championship will be conducted Aug. 9-15, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis. The PGA Championship History Exhibit debuted in Louisville in 2000, and travels to future host PGA Championship cities. The exhibit features memorabilia spanning from Jim Barnes' driver to capture the inaugural Championship in 1916; a walking stick once used by the legendary Walter Hagen; Gene Sarazen's niblick (today's 9-iron); Jack Nicklaus' wedge, which he used to capture the 1980 PGA Championship; Phil Mickelson's wedge that clinched his 2005 victory; and Y.E. Yang's 3-hybrid that sealed his historic 2009 triumph. "The PGA Championship History Exhibit is a special journey behind the great Champions who have been both premier performers but also among the leaders of the advancement of golf in this country," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "The PGA of America is pleased that The Shops at Woodlake Kohler, a popular destination for both those in Wisconsin and tourists from around the world, will serve as host to this remarkable collection. Wisconsin is one of the great sports participation states in the country and we anticipate we will have outstanding support once again leading up to the 92nd PGA Championship this summer." The Shops at Woodlake Kohler are part of Kohler's luxury resort destination that is owned and operated by Kohler Co, a world leader in products for the kitchen and bath. Home to The American Club, the Midwest's only AAA Five Diamond resort hotel; Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run golf venues; Kohler Waters Spa; The Shops at Woodlake Kohler; River Wildlife, and Riverbend, among 10 unique dining experiences and a host of resort amenities. "We are honored to be able to host the traveling PGA Championship Exhibit at the Shops at Woodlake. To have such treasured items right here in Kohler is really special," said Scott Silvestri, Group Director of Marketing and Retail Development. For questions on the golf museum, please call (920) 457-4447, extension 55186. Destination Kohler is located in the Village of Kohler, Wis., 55 miles north of Milwaukee and 2 ½ hours north of Chicago. For more information, visit www.DestinationKohler.com. Whistling Straits last hosted the PGA Championship in 2004, when Vijay Singh defeated Chris DiMarco and Justin Leonard in a three-hole playoff. The PGA Championship is one of four premier golf events conducted by The PGA of America. Others include the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the winners of golf's four major championships. Golf's best professionals have been competing for more than 90 years for the Championship's coveted Wanamaker Trophy. Past Champions span both the legendary and recent stars of the game: Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or by phone at (800) PGA-GOLF.