European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington has been overlooked for 2021 induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame (WGHOF).
Harrington had been among 10 finalists including three others among the ‘Male’ nominees – Tiger Woods, Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Farrell.
The WGHOF selection committee met at the body’s Florida offices early in the week of the now cancelled Players
Padraig Harrington overlooked for induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. (Photo -@tourmiss)
Championship and electing as their ‘Class of ‘21’ – Woods, Marion Hollins, former PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem and with four-time women’s major winner Suzie Maxwell Berning announced Friday (today) as the final 2021 inductee.
It is understood the Committee spoke to the three-time Major winning Harrington ahead of their March meeting advising they felt it more appropriate he be inducted post the 2021 Ryder Cup, and with the likelihood of a bigger selection impact should he lead Europe to victory.
It would mean Harrington now being approved in 2022 to be inducted with the ‘Class of 2023’.
Though at the time of final voting in March, the world had not been hit by the full Coronavirus pandemic impact and with just under 150 days to the hosting of the Ryder Cup there remains uncertainty if the competition will go ahead from 25th to 27th September at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Harrington came under the Hall of Fame spotlight when the body recently voted to lower the qualifying age from 50 back to 45 years of age.
The Dubliner was made aware of his possible induction earlier this year at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“I did not realise the Hall of Fame had brought the age back to 45 so that’s good to learn,” said the 48-year old Harrington.
“I would hope that I would be honoured at some time in my career but what do I say as I would like those honours just pan out and let them take their course.
“Saying that it would be a great honour to be in the Hall of Fame, and it would be an incredible honour no doubt about it.”
Ireland’s only inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame include: Joe Carr (2007) and Christy O’Connor Jnr (2009).
