For Curtis Strange and Hubert Green -- two golfers who never listed patience among their virtues -- entry into the World Golf Hall of Fame required waiting their turn.
Both first appeared on the ballot in 1996 and watched during the past decade as several contemporaries were honored. Yet with Wednesday's announcement that the two will be part of the Class of 2007 inducted Nov. 12 at the World Golf Village, the worthy punctuation to their impressive careers finally arrived.
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Strange won back-to-back U.S. Opens in 1988 and '89."The 2007 induction ceremony will provide an appropriate opportunity to shine the light on the careers of these two successful players," said Jack Peter, senior VP and COO of the Hall of Fame.
Players need to appear on 65 percent of the ballots for admission. Strange, 52, was included on 70 percent (compared to 50 percent in '06). He claimed 17 PGA Tour victories, highlighted by back-to-back U.S. Opens in 1988-89. After a stint as a site commentator, he is in his third season on the Champions Tour.
"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's name appeared on only 52 percent of ballots cast, but he was selected by a separate veteran's committee. The 60-year-old Alabama native turned pro in 1969 and won 19 tour titles, including the 1977 U.S. Open and 1985 PGA Championship. He also has four Champions Tour wins and has continued to play after successfully battling cancer of the throat and tongue in 2003.
"It's a nice, quiet feeling of success," Green said of his election. "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."
No international players reached the 65 percent threshold for election, with Jumbo Ozaki getting the most votes (46 percent).
More announcements regarding the 2007 class are expected this summer. Se Ri Pak, who has met the LPGA's points criteria, will become eligible when she plays her 10th event this year, her 10th season on tour, and also is expected to be inducted in November.
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