Norman, Stewart selected to Hall

Stewart named honoree of this week's Memorial

Associated Press

DUBLIN, Ohio (May 30) -- Payne Stewart and Greg Norman, who changed the game with their flair and charisma as much as their 80 international victories, were picked Wednesday as the newest members of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Stewart's close friend, Paul Azinger, announced Stewart's induction before several thousand fans surrounding the 18th green at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Stewart, who died at age 42 in a plane crash on Oct. 25, 1999, is this year's honoree of the Memorial Tournament.

Azinger said that Stewart's style on and off the course -- from the way he handled victory and defeat as well as his plus-four pants, tam o'shanter and colorful shirts and sweaters -- would never be forgotten.

"A few weeks ago I was eating at a place back home and a lady behind the counter came out to talk," Azinger said. "She didn't know much about golf but she said, 'You know, I'm going to have to start watching golf. I do know that one guy. What's his name -- Fancy Pants.' "

There was loud laughter from the crowd, which included Stewart's widow, Tracy, and their two children. She received a standing ovation after her brief remarks.

Jack Nicklaus said he remembered Payne coming to a Presidents Cup meeting in 1998, even though Stewart was unlikely to even be a member of the U.S. team.

"Not only was he at the meeting, but he was sitting right next to me," Nicklaus said. "I turned and said to him, 'I know you were invited, Payne, but ...' He looked at me and said, 'You never know.' "

Nicklaus said that was an example of Stewart's patriotism and his enthusiasm.

"He lived life, every minute of it," Nicklaus said. "That's everything you can ask."

Stewart won the 1991 and 1999 U.S. Opens and the 1989 PGA Championship and played in five Ryder Cup matches.

Azinger said he once heard Stewart say, "I think the tour needs more blond-haired, blue-eyed guys."

That description also fit Norman, the former surfer in his native Australia who was dubbed the "Great White Shark."

The 46-year-old Norman, now with gray streaks in his distinctive blond mane, hasn't won in more than three years, causing him to be reflective about his career and his accomplishments. "We never really reach the top of the mountain we want to reach," Norman said. "But at the end of the day, that's why dreams are a blueprint of reality. My dream is always to be the best I can possibly be in the game of golf."

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem acknowledged Norman's 18 tour victories, his two British Open titles and the three times Norman had the lowest scoring average on the U.S. tour. But Norman was also elected to the hall -- by a higher voting percentage than any other previous inductee -- because of his panache on the course and his outspoken personality.

Norman, who now calls Hobe Sound, Fla., home, also will be remembered for his excruciating losses, particularly in major championships.

"Everybody can say, 'Why me? Why did it happen to me?' " Norman said. "But if you're philosophical about it, do you believe in destiny? Do you believe in fate?

"You can twist your head around and around and around but at the end of the day, I feel my life has been extremely well balanced."

Also selected for induction were former U.S. Golf Association president Judy Bell, club manufacturer Karsten Solheim and Allan Robertson, regarded as the first golf professional in the game's history.

Earlier this year, Germany's Bernhard Langer and the LPGA's Donna Caponi were also elected.