Colin Montgomerie to join World Golf Hall of Fame

Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie and former European Tour Executive Director Ken Schofield are to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next year.

The announcement was made by current Chief Executive George O'Grady and World Golf Hall of Fame Chief Operating Officer Jack Peter at today's Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year luncheon in London.  

Montgomerie was elected through the International Ballot and Schofield though the Lifetime Achievement category. They will be honoured beside Fred Couples, Willie Park Jnr and Ken Venturi at the 2013 induction ceremony in Florida next May.

"This is a very special day for golf and the European Tour. Colin and Ken are unique individuals and their contribution to the European Tour and The Ryder Cup makes them both very worthy candidates for the World Golf Hall of Fame," O'Grady told the European Tour.

"Colin's achievement in winning the Harry Vardon Trophy eight times took considerable talent, skill, imagination, endurance, physical strength and mental resilience.

"Ken's contribution to the European Tour is incalculable. His vision, passion and reservoir of knowledge established the foundations that we enjoy today."

Montgomerie won seven European Tour Order or Merit titles in a row (eight overall) from 1993 and appeared in eight successive Ryder Cups from 1991, earning a reputation as one of the event's greatest ever competitors.

The Scot captained the victorious European side at Celtic Manor in 2010 and has also won 31 times on the European Tour during his illustrious career.

"It's a wonderful surprise to hear that I will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. I know I am fortunate to have enjoyed such a successful career playing the game I love and it makes me very proud that my achievements have been recognised in this way," said Montgomerie.

Schofield became the First Secretary and Executive Director of the tour in 1975 and served until 2004. When he retired, the European Tour's schedule comprised 45 events, 28 more than when he took up the post. He also helped pioneer expansion into other continents, the catalyst for today's global schedule.

"I am both delighted and humbled that I should be given a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame, in the company of so many great names who have together contributed to making the game of golf so special in our lives."