Hubert Green, Curtis Strange elected to World Golf Hall of Fame

From WorldGolf.com News Services

The World Golf Hall of Fame will have two new members, as Hubert Green and Curtis Strange have been announced as 2007 inductees.

Green, who was picked in the Veteran's category by the World Golf Foundation Board of Directors Selection Committee, won 19 PGA Tour events and two majors. Strange, who was elected on the PGA Tour ballot, won 17 times, including consecutive U.S. Opens in 1988 and 1989.

"On my golfing journey, I had no idea how high I could climb," Green told reporters. "To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is reaching the summit; best of all is being a member of the club that hosts the greats of the game."

Green, 60, was born in Birmingham, Ala., and made his PGA Tour debut in 1969. A Florida State graduate, Green won the 1977 U.S. Open and 1985 PGA Championship and represented the U.S. in the 1977, 1979 and 1985 Ryder Cups. Green has won four more times on the Champions Tour.

For Strange, he will forever be known for his back-to-back U.S. Opens and aggressive play.

"It's a tremendous honor to be elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame," Strange told reporters. "It is a very exciting time for my family and me, and also those who've been supportive over the years."

Born in Norfolk, Va., Strange, 52, made his PGA Tour debut in 1976. His consecutive U.S. Open titles marked the first time it had been done since Ben Hogan turned the feat in 1950-51. Strange was a member of the 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 2005 Ryder Cup teams.

"Hubert Green and Curtis Strange are most worthy players to have their careers recognized and celebrated through induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame," said Tim Finchem, PGA Tour commissioner and chairman of the World Golf Foundation. "Hubert's two major championships were the benchmarks of a stellar professional career that included many other titles. And, Curtis' career will long be defined by his back-to-back U.S. Opens and his many PGA Tour victories. It is truly fitting that the Hall of Fame will be adding such distinguished and deserving players to its membership this fall."

The 2007 Induction Ceremony will be held on Nov. 12 at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.

April 18, 2007