Charles to be inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame

text size

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Sir Bob Charles, winner of the 1963 Open Championship, will become the first New Zealander and the first lefty inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame this November when he is honored as part of the 2008 Class. Charles was selected in the Veterans Category.

Walter/Getty Images

Sir Bob Charles will be the first lefty inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

"To be inducted into The World Golf Hall of Fame is a great honor for me," Charles said. "After 50 years of competitive golf around the world, I am proud to be joining my peers in recognition of my life in golf."

"Sir Bob thoroughly deserves to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame," said Gary Player, the Hall of Fame's Global Ambassador. "He is a quiet and reserved man but has always been a thorough gentleman and has represented the world of golf in a most distinguished manner. I am proud to call him a friend, a truly International player and someone who has promoted the game we all love so much. Vivienne and I are delighted that he has been selected and send our best wishes to both him, Verity and their family."

In addition to the 1963 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Charles' has earned more than 60 international victories since turning professional in 1960. His record includes five PGA TOUR wins, eight European Tour titles and 17 additional international victories that include four New Zealand Opens and three New Zealand PGA Championships.

Charles continued to play well even after turning 50, winning the 1989 and 1993 Senior British Opens, 23 Champions Tour titles and 10 additional senior tournaments around the world. He remains active in competitive golf today.

"Sir Bob Charles is a shining example of success in international golf winning tournaments around the globe for half a century," said Jack Peter, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. "We look forward to celebrating his achievements that will undoubtedly bring great pride to his fellow New Zealanders now and for years to come."

Charles was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1972 and advanced to Commander in 1992. He became Sir Bob Charles when he was named Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999.

Charles will be recognized along with Pete Dye, Denny Shute, Carol Semple Thompson, Herbert Warren Wind and Craig Wood at the 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 10 at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. For information about the ceremony, visit www.wgv.com.