The World Golf Hall of Fame 2017 Induction Ceremony is Heading to New York City

By Dave Cordero, World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum

Three years ago, the World Golf Foundation Board of Directors unanimously agreed to change the complexion of the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in an effort to generate greater interest and ensure future Induction classes would be properly vetted and celebrated.

The biggest and most outwardly change resulting from this decision was to transition the ceremony from an annual happening in St. Augustine, Florida, to a biennial occurrence tied to a major golf event.

The realization of this vision successfully came to fruition in 2015 when, for the first time, the Induction Ceremony was staged in historic St Andrews, Scotland, the week of the 144th Open Championship. On this momentous night, Dame Laura Davies, David Graham, Mark O’Meara and the late A.W. Tillinghast took their place in golf history and thus began a new era for the World Golf Hall of Fame: new process and criteria, new Inductees, new venue and a newfound respect from the golf industry.

With more than 20 Hall of Fame members in attendance, including former Open Champions, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Peter Thomson, Sir Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, and Sandy Lyle,, the ceremony’s videos and Inductee speeches seamlessly weaved together the pageantry of the Home of Golf while ushering in a new era of celebration.

It is this same emotional connection that the institution hopes to achieve when the World Golf Hall of Fame hosts the 2017 Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in New York City in conjunction with the Presidents Cup.

“The Presidents Cup captures a robust international audience, and we look forward to kicking off the week’s celebrations with the enshrinement of another deserving Induction Class,” said Jack Peter, President of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.

With 10 of the past 12 captains being Hall of Fame Members, the storylines in New York are sure to abound. Moreover, the Induction Ceremony and Presidents Cup converging at the same time in one of the world’s largest markets is sure to present a tremendous opportunity for the game of golf.

The Hall of Fame Selection Commission, co-chaired by Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam, will be charged with reviewing candidates in four categories: Male and Female Competitors, Veterans and Lifetime Achievement. The Commission will assemble to discuss the merits and vote on the 16 finalists. A candidate must receive at least 75 percent of the vote to be elected.

The Class of 2017 will be announced this fall.