The Georgia State Golf Association is taking control of the state’s golf hall of fame after lawmakers abolished the organization this year.

In an agreement with the Department of Economic Development, the Marietta-based group bought the rights to the hall’s name and its collection of memorabilia.

GSGA president Mike Waldron says they will continue to hold an annual banquet honoring the current 82 members of the hall of fame as well as inducting new ones.

"It’s a big deal for everybody in the state," said Waldron. "It’s Georgia’s Golf Hall of Fame-- the organizations, the golf industry and everybody-- because it’s something certainly worth preserving."

The GSGA has no claim on the 17 acres of riverfront property in Augusta once intended as the physical site of the golf hall. That property will be auctioned off by the state.

Tags: Augusta, Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, GSGA, Georgia State Golf Association, Marrietta, Mike Waldron