One of New Jersey’s most popular and internationally known tourist attractions has reopened after being closed because of the pandemic.
The United States Golf Association’s Golf Museum and Library in the town of Bernard has opened in time for Father’s Day and the organization’s premier championship, the U.S. Open, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.
The USGA facility is the nation’s oldest sports museum and the world’s leading institution for the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of golf history.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays. The museum is closed on major holidays.
Admission is adults, $10; seniors (62 and older), $7; USGA members, $5; group rate (10 people or more), $8; children (13-17), $3.50 and children 12 and under, free.
The Jack Nicklaus Room in the USGA’s Museum at United States Golf Association in Far Hills, N.J.
Though the pandemic is winding down, the USGA has issued the following guidelines for visitors:
• Avoid visiting if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
• Wear a facial covering throughout the visit (for all visitors ages 2 and up), remain together with your party, and children under age 12 must remain with adults at all times.
• Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet with others outside your group.
• Use hand sanitizer, which will be available at stations throughout the museum.
• Follow the instructions of security guards and museum staff.
The Pynes Putting Course, inspired by the Himalayas putting course in St. Andrews, Scotland, is also open.
The 16,000-square-foot undulating green located on the lawn immediately behind the museum offers a challenging and entertaining golf experience. The green is named for Percy and Evelyn Pyne, who once resided on the property that is now USGA headquarters.
Visitors should allow 30 minutes to play the nine-hole course. The green fee is $5.
Putters are provided by the museum and a souvenir golf ball is included with the green fee. Appropriate footwear is required — no high heels or heavy-soled boots will be permitted.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com