Apr18 Halloffame
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Curtis Strange, the dominant American golfer in the 1980s whose career was defined by consecutive U.S. Open victories, and two-time major champion Hubert Green joined the World Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
They will be inducted Nov. 12 at the World Golf Village, along with Se Ri Pak, who will be eligible through the LPGA Tour criteria once she plays 10 tournaments this year to complete her 10th year on tour.
Strange won 17 times on the PGA Tour, all but one of those in the 1980s when he won the money title three times. He won the 1988 U.S. Open at The Country Club in a playoff over Nick Faldo, then became the first player since Ben Hogan to capture the U.S. Open in consecutive years when he won at Oak Hill.
A five-time Ryder Cup member and the U.S. captain in 2002, Strange received 70 percent of the vote on the PGA Tour ballot. Sixty-five percent is required for election from a panel of Hall of Fame members, golf writers and golf executives.
“We practice, we play. We don’t ever sit back and reflect on what you’ve done,” Strange said. “It’s a wonderful feeling that you’re included with all of the greats in the game.”
Green, who recovered from cancer four years ago, won 19 times on the PGA Tour, and is best known for his 1977 victory in the U.S. Open at Southern Hills. He was informed of a death threat while playing the back nine of the final round. He also won the ’85 PGA Championship.
Green drew 52 percent of the votes on the PGA Tour ballot, short of the necessary 65 percent, and was selected through the veterans category.
“It’s a nice, quiet feeling of success,” he said. “When you’re out hitting golf balls, trying to improve your game, you don’t know how well you’ve done. To be involved in this organization is the pinnacle of life. I’m not sure if I’m qualified, but they’re letting me in.”
Still to be announced are the Lifetime Achievement results. No one was elected from the International ballot, with Jumbo Ozaki receiving 46 percent of the vote. If no one receives at least 65 percent, the highest vote-getter is elected provided he gets at least 50 percent.
From the PGA Tour ballot, Craig Wood received 57 percent of the vote, followed by Green, Lanny Wadkins (50 percent), Denny Shute (31 percent) and Doug Ford (30 percent).
