Norman, Stewart elected to Hall of Fame

DUBLIN (OHIO), MAY 31. Australian Greg Norman and the late Payne Stewart will be among the honourees inducted into the world golf Hall of Fame this November after winning election through the PGA Tour ballot, the PGA commissioner, Tim Finchem announced on Wednesday.

Norman was named on 80.1 per cent of the ballots and Stewart on 67.5 per cent of votes cast by a 214-member body which includes national golf media, PGA Tour Hall of Fame members and golf dignitaries.

Earlier on Wednesday, the World Golf Foundation board of directors announced in St. Augustine, Florida, the selection of former USGA president, Judy Bell and Pioneer club manufacturer Karsten Solheim through the Lifetime Achievement category.

Allan Robertson, regarded as the first golf professional in the game's history, was selected through the veterans category. Earlier this year, Germany's Bernhard Langer, a double Masters champion, was elected through the international ballot and Donna Caponi was selected to the LPGA Hall of Fame through the LPGA veteran's category.

The new honourees, except for Langer who has requested induction in 2002, will be inducted on November 11 at the World Golf Village.

Norman, 46, has more than 70 victories worldwide, including 18 on the PGA Tour. Among his titles are the 1986 and 1993 British Opens and the 1994 Players Championship. The Australian, who has had numerous near misses in other Major championships - losing in playoffs in all four of golf's Majors - has led the PGA Tour in scoring average five times and in earnings three times. He also has represented the international team in the Presidents Cup four times.

Stewart, who died at age 42 in a plane crash on October 25, 1999, won 11 PGA Tour events, including the 1991 and 1999 U.S. Opens and 1989 PGA championship. He also played in five Ryder Cup matches and led the PGA Tour in scoring average in 1989.

- Reuters

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : School's out for tot on the tee
Next     : Harinder steals the thunder