Harrington and other LPGA founders inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in 2024
Arrington and LPGA founders are inducted into the 24th class of the Golf Hall of Fame
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Among those elected Wednesday to the World Golf Hall of Fame were Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Tom Weiskopf and the remaining founders of the LPGA Tour.
A total of six inductees – the LPGA founders were voted as one – will be inducted on June 10, 2024, the Monday before the U.S. Open in Pinehurst.
A 20-member panel of golf leaders, media and four Hall of Fame members also elected Sandra Palmer, whose 19 career wins on the LPGA Tour included two majors; Beverly Hanson; and former U.S. Open champion Johnny Farrell.
The only two living players elected are Harrington and Palmer.
Swing coach Butch Harmon and longtime golf analyst Dottie Pepper were among the finalists who did not receive 75% of the vote.
Having been a finalist in the previous Hall of Fame election, Harrington won his first major by winning the British Open at Carnoustie in a playoff over Sergio Garcia. The following year, he won the Open at Royal Birkdale and added the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills.
Harrington said it’s humbling. At this point in my life, it gives me some validation for my golf career. “I’m very proud to be included with the players before me. Being able to see your name next to the names I looked up to as a boy and young golfer is very satisfying.”
Last August, Weiskopf died from pancreatic cancer after winning 16 times on the PGA Tour and winning the British Open at Royal Troon. As well as contributing to golf architecture and television commentary, he was known for designing short par 4 holes, which were among the most entertaining and exciting in golf.
In 1971, Palmer won her first LPGA event, and then she won with alarming regularity. Her first major came in 1975 at the U.S. Open.
I can’t believe that it’s my sixth time being nominated, and I’m overwhelmed with emotion,” Palmer said. “I was just blown away when I received the call. That’s a great group of women I’ve had the pleasure of playing with over the years. I’ll definitely have some champagne tonight. When you sit down, your entire career comes before you.”
A North Dakota native, Hanson won 17 times on the LPGA Tour and three majors. She won her first tournament as a pro by defeating Babe Zaharias, and she won two of her majors by defeating Louise Suggs.
