In the derby city the game of Golf is a major part of life. With PGA course, Valhalla and the countless clubs produced by Louisville Slugger it goes without saying that plenty of hall of famers have passed through town.
So, I decided to put my hypothesis to the test, the World Golf Hall of Fame has been located in St. Augustine, Florida now since 1998, prior to that the hall’s home was in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
And, in that time a plethora of legends have been inducted, among those, Tom Watson, whose 1988 induction was a banner year for the hall. The Kansas City native won this year’s Senior PGA championship in Louisville hoisting the trophy at Valhalla.
Prior to that though, Watson became a dynasty in his own right two amateur championships, 39 PGA tour victories, 14 champions tour wins, four international titles, not to mention a collection of various other championships through the years.
Also, in the running at the championship in Louisville was Hale Irwin, finishing in the top five this year, Irwin proved how much he loved Louisville after winning the 2004 senior PGA championship, the previous senior PGA tour held in the ‘Ville. Four years after Watson’s induction, Irwin found his way to the hall.
And for good reason, among his credits: 20 PGA championships, three majors titles, 45 champions tour wins and that’s just looking at the surface.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss the designer of that golf course, Jack Nicklaus received his hall of fame honor in 1974. A golf legend, Nicklaus famously designed the Valhalla golf course, it’s facts like these that led a sports writer to ask Watson how he felt about playing on a course designed by a man that he had so many battles with, during this year’s Senior PGA.
Compiled Image: D. Rose
Individual Images: Tom Watson and World Golf Hall of Fame
Sources include: World Golf Hall of Fame, Tom Watson, and Hale Irwin
