St Augustine, Florida, United States: The World Golf Hall of Fame has released the names of 10 finalists who will be considered for enshrinement in 2021. The list of finalists includes ‘Male and Female Competitors’ and ‘Contributors’.

Americans Johnny Farrell, Tom Weiskopf and Tiger Woods and Irishman Padraig Harrington are the four Male Competitors on the list alongside the female American quartet of Susie Maxwell Berning, Beverly Hanson, Sandra Palmer and Dottie Pepper.

Completing the 10-strong finalists are Contributors Tim Finchem and Marion Hollins, both American.

The finalists were selected by the Nominating Committee, comprised of 26 individuals, including Hall of Fame members Juli Inkster, Hale Irwin, Meg Mallon, Colin Montgomerie, Mark O’Meara and Karrie Webb. Before gaining consideration, each finalist met the necessary qualifications in his or her respective category by way of on-course accomplishments or significant contributions to the game.

“The Nominating Committee has selected 10 finalists who represent the highest calibre of golfers and contributors,” said Greg McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of World Golf Foundation. “The recent enhancements to the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction criteria provide a great process to ensure the most worthy of candidates are being considered. We are grateful to the Nominating Committee for their work and anticipate the Class of 2021 being one of our strongest to date.”

The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors recently approved changes to the eligibility, including lowering the age of a Male or Female Competitor from 50 to 45 years of age or three years retired from the game. Additional changes included retiring the Veterans category and changing the name of the former Lifetime Achievement category to the Contributor category.

The Selection Committee, a 20-member panel comprised of Hall of Fame Members, media representatives and leaders of major golf organisations, will be tasked with discussing the merits of each finalist and ultimately selecting the Class of 2021.

The 2021 Induction Ceremony date, location and class will be announced in the coming weeks.