The USGA Golf Museum and Library, often referred to as the “Vault,” has announced its Top 10 Acquisitions of 2025, a collection that spans nearly two centuries of golf history. From the personal relics of Old Tom Morris to record-breaking championship moments of the modern era, these artefacts reflect the game’s evolution and enduring cultural impact.

1. The Old Tom Morris Bible
The personal family bible of Old Tom Morris, the legendary Scottish golfer and course architect, offers a rare glimpse into the private life and spiritual foundations of one of golf’s earliest pioneers.

2. 1870s Championship-Used Golf Ball
A hand-hammered gutta-percha ball, confirmed to have been used in a professional championship in the 1870s, now stands as the earliest championship-used ball in the USGA’s collection, filling a crucial gap in competitive golf’s equipment timeline.

3. J.J. Spaun’s 72nd-Hole Birdie Ball
The Titleist Pro V1x ball Spaun used to sink a dramatic 65-foot birdie putt at Oakmont in the 2025 U.S. Open secured his first major victory and is already hailed as one of the most remarkable finishing putts in tournament history.

4. Kim Moore’s Prosthetic Leg
Moore’s prosthetic leg, worn during her victory at the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open, symbolises resilience and progress in adaptive golf, highlighting the growing significance of the championship and its athletes.

5. Norman Rockwell’s The Four Sporting Boys: Golf Study
An original charcoal and graphite study by Norman Rockwell enriches the museum’s fine art collection, underscoring golf’s place in American popular culture through the lens of one of the nation’s most iconic illustrators.

6. Ben Hogan’s 1948 “Gof-Fer” Award
This stylised trophy, presented during Hogan’s most dominant year, adds depth to the museum’s Hogan collection, representing both his competitive brilliance and his connection to fans and regional tournaments.

7. Bryson DeChambeau’s 2024 Sand Wedge
The 55-degree wedge used for DeChambeau’s “miracle” bunker shot at Pinehurst No. 2 in the 2024 U.S. Open was officially added in 2025, cementing its place as one of the most iconic clubs in modern championship lore.

8. The George Thomas Jr. Collection
Personal notebooks, course sketches, and a passport belonging to George Thomas Jr. provide invaluable insight into the “Golden Age” of golf course design, particularly his work on Riviera, Bel-Air, and the Los Angeles Country Club.

9. Megha Ganne’s 125th U.S. Women’s Amateur Outfit
The apparel worn by Ganne during her victory at the milestone 125th U.S. Women’s Amateur celebrates both the anniversary of the oldest USGA women’s championship and the rise of one of amateur golf’s brightest stars.

10. The Opal Hill Memorabilia Collection
Artefacts from Opal Hill, one of the 13 founding members of the LPGA, document the early professionalisation of women’s golf and honour the pioneers who paved the way for today’s LPGA Tour.

Together, these acquisitions form a narrative that bridges golf’s 19th-century origins with its modern championship triumphs. From Old Tom Morris’s bible to Kim Moore’s prosthetic leg, the collection underscores the sport’s diversity, resilience, and cultural resonance.

The USGA’s “Vault” continues to serve as the guardian of golf’s heritage, ensuring that future generations can connect with the stories, artefacts, and moments that define the game.