Phil Mickelson was excited by Thursday’s announcement that he will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on May 7 in St. Augustine, Fla.
The news was made official at the Barclays Singapore Open, where Mickelson is playing.
“I am excited to be part of the Hall of Fame that has the names of the greats of the game that I grew up idolizing,” Mickelson said in a news conference. “This is a special honor. It just feels really cool to be part of this great organization and elite club.”
Listen to Phil Mickelson on Thursday’s ‘Morning Drive’
Mickelson, 41, was elected in his first year on the ballot.
“Two things in my mind that I think are special about Phil,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said. “He is clearly one of the most exciting players to ever play the game. Outside the ropes, regardless of his incredible competitive performance, it’s the way he’s handled himself with great comportment and his support of charities.”
Mickelson has won 42 times around the world with 39 PGA Tour titles, including four major championships. He won three Masters (2004, ’06, ’10) and the PGA Championship (’05). He was the 1990 U.S. Amateur champ.