DUBLIN, Ireland -- World Golf Hall of Fame member and four times European Ryder Cup Captain Tony Jacklin will officially open the new exhibit, “World Golf Hall of Fame and Waterford Crystal Present: A Tribute to The Ryder Cup,” at the National Museum of Ireland–Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks in Dublin Wednesday during a private reception.

“The Ryder Cup holds a very special place in my heart, having experienced it both as a player and as captain,” said Jacklin, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. “My memories of this event through the years are as vivid today as ever. It is a pleasure to come to Ireland on behalf of the Hall of Fame one month before the country hosts the contest for the first time to open this exhibit, which is sure to be enjoyed by the many golf enthusiasts who live here and will be passing through in the coming months.”

World Golf Hall of Fame and Waterford Crystal, an official sponsor of The 2006 Ryder Cup, share a long-standing relationship, as Waterford produces the Inductee Crystals for new Hall of Fame members each year. The Ryder Cup project marks the first time the two have collaborated on an exhibit, which first opened in June at Waterford Crystal’s Visitor Centre in Kilbarry, Waterford. The project also marks the first time the Hall of Fame, located in St. Augustine, Florida, has traveled an exhibit to another major museum outside of the United States [The National Museum of Ireland].

“A Tribute to The Ryder Cup” was designed to coincide with The 2006 Ryder Cup and features significant moments in the history of The Ryder Cup through the achievements of the Hall’s members who have participated on or captained teams, as well as Irish golfers who were members of past Ryder Cup Teams.

In addition to Jacklin -- whose personal items on display include commemorative gifts from the 1983 and 1985 contests and his 1989 Captain’s trophy — the exhibit features Jack Nicklaus’ team blazer from 1969, the year of his famed “concession” to Jacklin, plus items from Ben Crenshaw, Bernhard Langer, Arnold Palmer, the family of Payne Stewart and others. Visitors also can view items on loan from Irish golfers, including Paul McGinley’s putter and ball used to bring on a European victory at The 2002 Ryder Cup.

European Ryder Cup Captain Tony Jacklin hugs the trophy after their victory in the Ryder Cup at The Belfry Golf Club in 1989. (Getty Images)

Jack Peter, senior vice president and COO of the World Golf Hall of Fame, said: “As a global institution, it provided a unique opportunity to develop an exhibition in Ireland on the subject of The Ryder Cup during a time when golf interest is at an all-time high, and we hope the exhibit will add to The Ryder Cup excitement over the coming months. We are grateful to Waterford Crystal and the National Museum of Ireland for their assistance in bringing this exhibit to fruition, as well as The European Tour and PGA of America for their support.”

Brian McGee, sales and marketing director of Waterford Crystal said:” For over 60 years Waterford Crystal has been associated with incredible moments of achievement in the world of international sport. We have an unrivalled heritage for marking truly great sporting occasions and a long association with golf, dating back to the '70s when Bing Crosby asked Waterford Crystal to design a trophy for what is now the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

”As an Irish brand and the world’s leading crystal company, we are delighted to support The 2006 Ryder Cup in the capacity as an official sponsor. Thanks to the deep resources of the World Golf Hall of Fame, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to unveil a unique exhibit that celebrates the rich history and stories of The Ryder Cup. In the year in which Ireland hosts golf’s greatest sporting event, we forecast the exhibit will attract record visitor numbers”.

Dr. Patrick Wallace, director of the National Museum of Ireland said, “We are delighted to host this unique historical exhibition of The Ryder Cup at the National Museum of Ireland and we hope that by offering visitors an insight into the personal stories behind the achievements, it will give people a greater connection with this prestigious sporting event.”

Philip Furlong, secretary general of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, represented Minister John O’Donoghue and complimented the National Museum of Ireland on harnessing the synergy between the arts, sport and tourism for which the Minister is responsible.

“World Golf Hall of Fame and Waterford Crystal Present: A Tribute to The Ryder Cup” is on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin through September 2006. The traveling exhibit will then move back to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, where it will remain on display through Summer 2007. Entrance to the National Museum of Ireland is free. For further information, please log onto www.museum.ie or www.wgv.com.