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World Golf Hall of Fame Criteria & Process

| Feb 10, 2026

World Golf Hall of Fame Criteria & Process

Overview

The World Golf Hall of Fame consists of 170 members – fewer than the Halls of Fame in baseball, basketball, football, hockey or tennis – making it one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sports. 

Earning election into the WGHOF is one of the greatest honors in the game, reserved for those who have reached the pinnacle of the sport through their achievements and contributions.

 

Criteria

There are four categories in which an individual may be considered for Induction: 

Male and Female Competitors
Male and Female Competitors must be at least forty-five (45) years old during the year of a given Induction Ceremony or be at least three (3) years removed from being an active participant on any of the tours, as determined by the Hall of Fame. Guidelines for Male and Female Competitors include at least one major championship title and 15 or more worldwide victories.
Historical and Amateur Competitors
Historical/Amateur Competitors must have made their most significant contributions as players either a) as amateurs; or b) before 1980.
Contributor
Contributors must have impacted the game significantly in areas outside of the competitive arena, such as an administrator, course architect, innovator, instructor or media member.

Process

Nomination

Nominations for the Class of 2027 are open to the public through July 31, 2026.

 

An individual may be nominated in only one category per induction cycle. Only one Letter of Recommendation may be submitted for each nominee. Please submit all materials online by filling out the nomination form.

If you have any questions, please email wghof@usga.org. 

 

Vetting

Nominations will be reviewed by Working Groups focused on each of the four categories. Each Working Group is comprised of a Chair and twelve (12) at-large individuals, a combination of media members, WGHOF members and golf industry representatives. 

Each Working Group will submit a list of finalists for each category – four (4) Male Competitors, four (4) Female Competitors, two (2) Historical/Amateur Competitors and two (2) Contributors – to be considered by the Selection Committee.

 

Selection Committee

The Selection Committee is comprised of twenty-four (24) members: the seven (7) WGHOF Board of Directors, four (4) Working Group Chairs, and a combination of media members and WGHOF members. 

This group will discuss the merits of each finalist and conduct a vote to determine the Class of 2027. Any candidate who receives 75% of the vote will be elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. 

Class sizes vary but historically have been between four (4) and six (6). The announcement will be made via a press release and on broadcast in late 2026.

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