Bob Charles to be first Kiwi, first

left-hander in World Hall of Fame



PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME
St. Augustine, Florida – The 1963 Open Championship winner Bob Charles will become the first New Zealander and the first left-hander inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame this November when he is honoured as part of the 2008 Class. Charles, 72, was selected in the Veterans Category.
“To be inducted into The World Golf Hall of Fame is a great honour for me,” Charles said. “After 50 years of competitive golf around the world, I am proud to be joining my peers in recognition of my life in golf.”
“Bob Charles is a shining example of success in international golf—winning tournaments around the globe for half a century,” said Jack Peter, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. “We look forward to celebrating his achievements that will undoubtedly bring great pride to his fellow New Zealanders now and for years to come.”
In addition to the 1963 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Charles, picture above by Cal Carson Golf Agency, has earned more than 60 international victories since turning professional in 1960.

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• His record includes five US PGA Tour wins, eight European Tour titles and 17 additional international victories that include four New Zealand Opens and three New Zealand PGA Championships.
  Charles went on to lead an impressive career in the 50+ circuit, winning the 1989 and 1993 Senior British Opens, 23 Champions Tour titles and 10 additional senior tournaments around the world.
  Sir Bob was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1972 and advanced to Commander in 1992. He became Sir Bob Charles when he was named Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999.
  Charles will be recognized along with Pete Dye, Denny Shute, Carol Semple Thompson, Herbert Warren Wind and Craig Wood at the 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 10 at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida.

For information about the ceremony, visit www.wgv.com.