Golfers hold their history dear, and one way to preserve memorable moments is through commemorative plaques. These plaques are often placed in the ground or set into boulders at golf courses to honor significant events or shots that took place during tournaments. Legends of the game like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy all have plaques dedicated to them at various courses around the world.
In 2023, Rory McIlroy’s winning 2-iron shot at the 18th hole of the Genesis Scottish Open earned him a plaque at The Renaissance Club. TPC Sawgrass unveiled a plaque to honor golf course designer Pete Dye during the 2020 Players Championship. The plaque is placed just off the first tee, showcasing Dye’s significant contributions to the game. Another iconic plaque can be found at Augusta National Golf Club on the Hogan Bridge, which acknowledges Ben Hogan’s 1953 Masters victory.
At Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, a marker on the 6th tee box commemorates Ben Hogan’s triumph in his only Open Championship appearance. Tiger Woods’ unforgettable putt at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines is immortalized with a plaque by the City of San Diego and the U.S. Golf Association. The plaque acknowledges Woods’ momentous shot that led to a Monday playoff with Rocco Mediate. Additionally, Woods’ remarkable bunker shot at the 2019 WGC-Mexico Championship is celebrated with a plaque at Club de Golf Chapultepec.
Jack Nicklaus’ 1-iron shot at Baltusrol Golf Club in 1967 is remembered with a plaque on the 18th fairway. This shot secured his victory over Arnold Palmer and broke the U.S. Open record previously held by Ben Hogan. Another notable plaque commemorates Robert Gamez’s eagle with a 7 iron from 176 yards at the 1990 Bay Hill Invitational. Old Tom Morris is also honored with a plaque at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland for his contributions to the game.
Tiger Woods’ memorable moment at the 1999 Phoenix Open is celebrated with a plaque at TPC Scottsdale. Woods’ tee shot landed close to a large boulder, and spectators moved it away to allow him to birdie the hole. Arnold Palmer’s back-to-back holes-in-one at TPC Potomac and four holes-in-one that occurred during the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill Country Club are also commemorated with plaques. Additionally, Andrew Magee’s historic hole-in-one on a par-4 at TPC Scottsdale in 2001 is remembered with a plaque near the 17th tee box.
Gary Player’s 1965 U.S. Open victory at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis is honored with a plaque, as is Shaun Micheel’s 7-iron shot that secured his victory at the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Other plaques pay tribute to Bobby Jones, Dave Stockton, and the Skins Game with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. These plaques serve as tangible reminders of the rich history and iconic moments that have shaped the game of golf.
