Tiger Woods has been selected for induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla., something that obviously was a matter of when, not if.
The 44-year-old Woods, who grew up in Cypress and attended Western High in Anaheim and Stanford University, will be inducted as part of the Class of 2001, with other inductees expected to be announced soon. One candidate is Padraig Harrington of Ireland.
“I am both honored and humbled to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame,” Woods was quoted as saying on worldgolfhalloffame.org. “This past year has been such an incredible journey and the support I’ve received from my family, friends and fans has been overwhelming. This achievement is the ultimate recognition to never give up and keep chasing.”
Woods, who has bounced back from back, knee and other injuries, last April collected his 15th major championship, second to Jack Nicklaus’ 18, after an 11-year wait, by winning the Masters for the fifth time (pictured).
In addition, Woods has captured the U.S. Open four times, and the PGA Championship and Open Championship three times each. He also has won a record 18 World Golf Championships and twice claimed The Players Championship, often called “The Fifth Major.”
Tiger is one of five players to complete the Career Grant Slam along with Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Nicklaus. Woods is the youngest player to achieve the Grand Slam, completing it at the age of 24.
When Woods captured the Masters in 2001, he held all four major titles at the same time, something that became known as “The Tiger Slam.”
Additionally, Woods has won the Tour Championship three times, captured the FedEx Cup twice, led the PGA Tour Money List a record 10 times and is the circuit’s all-time leading money winner with $120,459,468.
Woods, who also has been No. 1 in the World Golf Rankings for a record 683 weeks including another record of 281 weeks in a row, won the Zozo Championship in October to tie Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record of 82 victories.
“Tiger has done more for the game of golf than anyone ever thought possible, and his historic feats on the course are only one aspect of his impact,” said Commissioner Jay Monahan, who also is Chairman of the World Golf Foundation Board.
“His imprint on the game is immeasurable and his unparalleled legacy is one we look forward to celebrating as he’s inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next year.”
To be selected for the Hall of Fame, a golfer or contributor must receive at least 75 percent of the vote from the selection committee. Earlier this year, the age to be considered for induction was lowered 50 to 45. Woods turns 45 in December 30.
