Hall of fames are curious things, largely popularised by their cultural and sporting presence in the United States, but they are one way to celebrate and recognise the achievements and importance of certain individuals or groups in a particular field.
Golf's own version - the World Golf Hall of Fame - was created back in 1974 and now enjoys a physical presence in Pinehurst, North Carolina, which for many is the spiritual home of the game in America.
There are 170 members of the hall, including all the names you would expect, but there are historic figures who remain absent - Australia's Norman von Nida for one - and I would put the likes of Macdonald Smith and Tony Lema in there too.
It's fair to say that certain inductees have been controversial or contentious. Personally, I think it could have done without the presence of former president George H.W. Bush and past Augusta National chairman Billy Payne, but these institutions always, invariably, feature a degree of questionable politicking.
That said, it's a positive thing to commemorate those who have contributed to the game in all manner of ways, whether it be as players, course designers, writers, broadcasters, trailblazers and administrators.
We have no doubt that when, once they become eligible for selection, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko will be in there too, but their day will come in the future.
But now we have a picture of who could be inducted next.
14 Finalists Named For The World Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2027
The World Golf Hall of Fame has just announced the list of finalists for its class of 2027, with next year's Induction Ceremony scheduled to take place on Monday, July 12, in St Andrews, ahead of the 155th Open Championship that will be played on the Old Course.
Whittled down from 162 public nominations, 14 finalists have been put forward across several categories. Those finalists will be judged by a selection committee of 24 key individuals, and those who accumulate 75% of the vote (announced in December) will be elected to the hall.
Let's take a look at who has made that list - and I will pick out the person I would vote for from each section.
Male Competitors
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Those eligible for this category are "competitors who are at least 45 years old during the year of an Induction Ceremony or retired from competitive golf for at least three years."
Featured this year are 2027 US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk, former US Open winner Corey Pavin, past world number one Justin Rose, and the 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott.
You can make a compelling argument for each of them, but I'm edging towards the two younger men, even though they both remain contenders at the highest level.
Given that he's won a major championship, been world number one, been crowned the leading player on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, and won the Olympic gold medal in 2016, I would vote for Rose. And that's before you consider the philanthropic causes that Justin and his wife, Kate, have given to the game, especially through the creation of the Rose Ladies Series.
Female Competitors
Similarly, this is for "competitors who are at least 45 years old during the year of an Induction Ceremony or retired from competitive golf for at least three years."
Twice major winners Cristie Kerr and Dottie Pepper are in the mix, as is 1988 US Women's Open champion Liselotte Neumann, but Inbee Park is the clear standout.
Seven times a major champion, Park is only 38 but hasn't competed since 2022 as she turned her attention towards raising a family. Much like when a retired Lorena Ochoa was inducted when in her 30s, the South Korean is the one who would receive my vote.
Historic Players And Amateurs
Moving into a different category, this is for "competitors who achieved the majority of their victories either as amateurs or more than 50 years ago."
Here we have a US Open and Open champion in Ted Ray, a two-time US Amateur winner in Jay Sigel, and Alexa Stirling, who won a trio of US Women's Amateur titles in the early 20th century.
Each have a strong case to be included this time, and I do think it's absurd that Ray hasn't been inducted before now, but given that it's important to recognise achievements in the amateur game, I'm going to edge for the late, much respected Sigel, who was also the Amateur champion of 1979 and a Walker Cup stalwart.
Contributors
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Finally, we come to those "individuals who have impacted the game significantly in areas outside of the competitive arena."
These are the legendary course architect Harry Colt, iconic CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, and Butch Harmon, who for decades has been one of the most famed coaches in the sport.
It's difficult to ignore the claim of Colt - and you have to ask why isn't he in there already - but I would vote for Harmon. Son of a Masters champion and part of a rich golfing family, Harmon was a tour player turned instructor, who has overseen so many exceptional students, including Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler, but it's Tiger Woods who has most defined the genius of Harmon.
For close to a decade, Woods was under the watchful eye of Harmon, including through his transition from the amateur game into tour life, and those most dominant of victories at Augusta, Pebble Beach and St Andrews.
Harmon has also spent over 30 years working for Sky Sports as one of their leading and most recognisable broadcasting voices.
At 83, this would be a fitting opportunity to mark a momentous lifetime in the game.
"The Finalists for the Class of 2027 represent an extraordinary range of accomplishments and contributions to the game of golf," said Mike Trostel, director of the World Golf Hall of Fame. "This distinguished group deserves recognition for the lasting impact they made on the sport in their own way as competitors, teachers, architects, broadcasters and innovators."
Ultimately, whichever combination of inductees are chosen to be celebrated at St Andrews next year will be fitting, and it's sure to be one part of a truly special week as the Open returns to this most revered of golfing cathedrals.
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