The newest class of World Golf Hall of Fame members will be inducted during THE PLAYERS week, and it includes one of the biggest names in the game’s history. Tiger Woods highlights the four people that will be inducted March 9 at the PGA TOUR’s Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Three-times U.S. Women’s Open champion Susie Maxwell Berning will join Woods in being inducted in the “competitors” category, while former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and the late Marion Hollins will be enshrined for their contributions to the game.
The ceremony, hosted by David Feherty, will air live on Golf Channel at 7 p.m. Eastern.
In addition to honoring the four newest Hall of Fame members, the induction ceremony also will recognize Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth, as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement award for their contributions to the sport. Additionally, Renee Powell will be honored for her spirit in advancing diversity in golf, as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company.
The ceremony will take place in Northeast Florida for the first time since 2013, with the most recent ceremonies being held in Pebble Beach, California (2019), New York (2017) and St. Andrews, Scotland (2015).
To prepare you for Wednesday’s ceremony, here’s a quick look at the four inductees.
Hometown: Pasadena, California
Induction category: Competitor
Birthdate: July 22, 1941
Major championships: 4
LPGA wins: 11
Awards and honors: LPGA Rookie of the Year (1964)
Fact: Berning remains one of only six women to have won the U.S. Women’s Open on at least three separate occasions.
Despite not taking up golf until age 15, Susie Maxwell Berning quickly took to the sport.
She won three straight Oklahoma state high school championships and was the first woman to be offered a golf scholarship from Oklahoma City University (where she competed on the men’s team).
Upon turning professional in 1964, she earned LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.
Throughout her career she won 11 times, including an impressive four majors – the 1965 Women’s Western Open, and the U.S. Women’s Open (three times) in 1968, 1972 and 1973.
“Susie perfectly embodies what it means to be a Hall of Famer,” said former LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan. “She was a trailblazer from when she first picked up a club throughout her amateur career, and then made a big splash once she reached the LPGA Tour. I think about the short list of individuals – male or female – who have won three U.S. Open titles, let alone four major championships, and understand just how incredible that is. She also shortened her career when she made a decision to walk away to focus on family – something every female professional can empathize with and respect.”