Atlanta golf enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to view the PGA Championship History Exhibit this summer before and during the 93rd PGA Championship. The traveling exhibit chronicles the history of the championship and its 92 winners from 1916-2010. The PGA Championship is one of golf’s premier tournaments and is the season’s final major championship.

The PGA Championship History Exhibit debuted in Louisville, Kentucky before the 2000 tournament. It is only on display a few months each year in advance of the PGA tournament. The exhibit is currently on display in Johns Creek, Georgia, a northern suburb of Atlanta. The Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek will host the 2011 PGA Championship from August 8-14. The Johns Creek Welcome Center is hosting the exhibit, which was officially opened on June 7 by the 2010 defending PGA Champion Martin Kaymer. Visitors may view the exhibit through August 14.

The exhibit offers an interesting and informative look at one of golf’s four major tournaments and its past champions. Visitors will get a close up view of photographs and memorabilia from some of the greatest legends in golf. Tournament winners are profiled, from first champion Jim Barnes in 1916 to 2010 champion Kaymer. Some rare artifacts are on loan from the World Golf Hall of Fame. A few of the unusual personal items in the exhibit include Tiger Woods’ golf shoes, Sam Snead’s straw hat, and golf legend Walter Hagen’s walking stick. Jack Nicklaus’ putter that he used in the 1980 championship is on display, as well as Gene Sarazen’s 9 iron and the wedge that Phil Mickleson used in the 2005 championship. The PGA Championship’s coveted Wanamaker Trophy will be on display on July 2, 9, 16, and 23.

This year is only the third time that the PGA Championship has been held in Georgia, so this is a special opportunity for Atlanta residents and visitors to see this exhibit on their home turf. The Johns Creek Welcome Center is located in Johns Creek Walk at 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, approximately three miles north of the Atlanta Athletic Club. The PGA Championship History Exhibit may be viewed on Tuesday from noon-8pm, and Wednesday through Sunday from noon-5pm. The exhibit is closed on Monday, except during the tournament week. Admission to the exhibit is free. Avid golf enthusiasts who will be in town for the tournament should plan time for a visit to the PGA Championship History Exhibit.