As the golf world converged on historic St Andrews, the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum enshrined its 2015 Induction Class at the University of St Andrews.
As the golf world converged on historic St Andrews for the playing of the 144th Open Championship, the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum enshrined its 2015 Induction Class at the University of St Andrews.
Bringing the total number of members to 150, the new members include: Dame Laura Davies, David Graham, Mark O’Meara and A.W. Tillinghast.
With 79 victories worldwide and four LPGA Major Championships, Davies is considered by many to be the most successful female British player of all time. Davies has represented Europe a record 12 times in the Solheim Cup, playing in every competition from 1990-2011. She was recently made a Dame by the Queen of England in the 2014 UK honors list for her services to the sport of golf.
For the first time, the Induction Ceremony, a biennial event, was staged outside of the United States and televised live on Golf Channel and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.
“Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Laura, David, Mark and the family of the late AW,” said Jack Peter, Chief Operating Officer of the Hall of Fame. “This class represents the global reach of the game and we are pleased to welcome them to the Hall of Fame family. This year’s ceremony was a significant step forward for the World Golf Hall of Fame as we continue to raise the institution’s global profile. We’re grateful for the support of our Board organizations and the University of St Andrews for making this a truly memorable and historic event.”
The 90-minute ceremony, emceed by well-known Sky television personality Diana “Di” Dougherty, was attended by 21 Hall of Fame members including: Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, Nancy Lopez, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Peter Thomson and Sandy Lyle among others.
Davies, who because of mechanical issues with her plane and other international travel logistics from Philadelphia, where she competed in the U.S. Women’s Open, was unable to attend the ceremony. Former LPGA Commissioner Charlie Mechem introduced the British star and graciously accepted the honor on Davies’ behalf.
The next Induction Ceremony will take place in 2017 at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida, which will be held the Monday of THE PLAYERS Championship week. The Class of 2017 will be announced in 2016.
