ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Ayako Okamoto will become a member of the World Golf
Hall of Fame this November as part of the Class of 2005. Okamoto was elected
by the International ballot voting body, which is comprised of writers,
historians and golf dignitaries from around the world.

"Ayako's playing record, both internationally and on the LPGA Tour, make her
eminently qualified for golf's highest honor," said LPGA Commissioner Ty M.
Votaw. "Her inclusion in the World Golf Hall of Fame will further her status
as the most popular female player in Japan."

Okamoto has compiled 62 worldwide titles in her career, including 44 on the
LPGA of Japan, 17 on the LPGA Tour and one on the Ladies European Tour. Her
best year on the LPGA Tour was in 1987 when she won four times, topped the
money list and earned Rolex Player of the Year honors, becoming the first
international player to win the award.

"It is hard to express in words my joy in becoming a member of the World
Golf Hall of Fame," said Okamoto upon learning of her election. "I never
dreamt the choices I made during my 30-year career would lead me to join the
ranks of the most respected players in the history of golf."

This marks the third consecutive year a Japanese player will enter the World
Golf Hall of Fame, following Hisako "Chako" Higuchi in 2003 and Isao Aoki
last year.

"Ayako Okamoto is an established champion around the world, and her
contributions in her native Japan continue to influence the sport," said
Jack Peter, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Hall of
Fame. "The World Golf Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome her alongside the
other greats of the game."

Okamoto received the 1987 Japanese Prime Minister's Award for her
contribution to encouraging and developing sports in Japan. Additionally,
she was recognized during the LPGA's 50th Anniversary in 2000 as one of its
top-50 players and teachers.

Okamoto was chosen on 52 percent of the returned ballots. Jumbo Ozaki (48
percent), Sandy Lyle (29 percent), Kel Nagle (percent) and Ian Woosnam
(percent) rounded out the top-five vote getters.

Okamoto joins Vijay Singh as a member of the Class of 2005. Singh's election
on the PGA TOUR/Champions Tour ballot was announced at this year's Shell
Houston Open in April, where he went on to become the first person to
successfully defend that title.

Additional members of the 2005 Class of Inductees will be announced at a
later date. The World Golf Hall of Fame's annual Induction Ceremony is
scheduled for November 14.

About the World Golf Hall of Fame:
The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at World Golf Village in St.
Augustine, Fla., and is a collaboration of 26 national and international
golf organizations, including the PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, PGA of America,
Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and Augusta National Golf Club. The
facility houses interactive displays, historic artifacts, a special exhibit
gallery, an IMAX Theater and the Hall of Fame itself, which honors the
game's greatest players and contributors. For more information, visit
www.wgv.com.