A revamped selection process for induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame has been announced, one that features Arnold Palmer and Gary Player on a 16-member selection committee.
The new criteria, to make it tougher for PGA players and easier for LPGA players than prior systems, will begin with consideration this year for the Class of 2015.
Induction will become a biennial event starting next year, with the subsequent ceremony in 2017, when Tiger Woods will first be eligible under the new rules.
“The new process will set up the Hall of Fame for long-term success,” American Palmer said.
“We will be keeping the bar for induction priorities high. I think the steps that have been made are good and we are endorsing it wholeheartedly.”
Men’s and women’s players would need to be 40 years old, have 15 wins on globally significant tours and at least two major titles to merit consideration.
The selection committee will be co-chaired by Palmer, Player and retired LPGA stars Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam.
The LPGA’s selection process had been seen as so rigorous that it might have kept the number of women members too small considering the global growth of the women’s game.
“The standard is important to the players who previously qualified,” Lopez said. “The standard will remain high for selection.”
South Africa’s Player, like Palmer one of the Hall’s original inductees in 1974, was pleased that the selection committee has representation from the US and European PGA Tours, the LPGA, Masters, R&A, US Golf Association, PGA of America, global tours in Japan and South Africa and international media.
“What excites me is the international aspect,” Player said. “Everybody internationally who has played such a vital role has been included.”
Jack Peter, the World Golf Hall of Fame chief operating officer, said the decision to revamp came as part of a periodic review process of criteria.
“We wanted to put the decision making process in the right hands and ensure that the selection process remains there for years to come,” he said.
The LPGA scrapped its points system to come under the Hall of Fame selection process.
“It will eventually mean more women are considered and inducted into the Hall of Fame,” added Peter.
