USGA Museum Opening Ceremony

Tom Ierubino reports on the grand opening of the Palmer Center, while Tom Canavan files an AP story. And there's a video of Palmer's speech on USGA.org's homepage. The full transcript is here.

USGA executive committee member Jay Rains, Dr. Jerris, U.S. Curtis Cup captain Carol Semple Thompson and USGA president Jim Vernon spoke about Palmer, the museum and golf. Vernon called Palmer "one of the greatest advocates the game of golf has ever known."

Palmer also was honored by state and national officials. Nancy Byrne, executive director of New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism, presented Palmer with a proclamation declaring June 3 "Arnold Palmer Day" in the state. Representative Mike Ferguson of New Jersey's seventh Congressional district called Palmer "not only one of he great golfers who ever lived but also one of the great human beings" and said that the House of Representatives had unanimously passed a resolution honoring Palmer for his distinguished career in golf and his commitment to excellence and sportsmanship.

Palmer toured the museum with his wife Kit in the morning prior to the 2 p.m. opening ceremony. In the Hall of Champions, after spotting the name of John "Spider" Miller, the 1996 and '98 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, on the wall, Palmer turned and said, "Where's Spider?" When he spotted Miller, Palmer kidded him, "They allow anyone in here." The two became friends after playing a practice round together at the 1997 Masters.

"It brings back very pleasant memories," said Miller of seeing his name on the wall with all the other USGA champions. "It's very nicely done. I'm humbled to be included."

Other former USGA champions in attendance were former USGA president Fred Ridley (1975 U.S. Amateur); George Zahringer (2002 U.S. Mid-Amateur); Deb Richard (1984 U.S. Women's Amateur); William Wright (1959 U.S. Amateur Public Links); James Masserio (1965 U.S. Junior Amateur); Trip Kuehne (2007 U.S. Mid-Amateur); and Carol Semple Thompson, winner of seven of USGA titles.