Mickelson elected to Hall of Fame

Singapore – Phil Mickelson has been elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Mickelson earned 72 percent of the vote on the PGA Tour ballot, the highest for a player since Greg Norman received 80 percent in 2001. The four-time major champion will be inducted on May 7, 2012 in St. Augustine, Florida just before the start of the Players Championship.

"My thanks go to those who voted me into the World Golf Hall of Fame," said Mickelson in a statement through the PGA Tour. "It really is a tremendous honor to be mentioned alongside the greats of a game that's centuries old. The Players Championship week always has been special to me and the induction ceremony next May will make it even more so."

The Hall of Fame will round out the Class of 2012 by announcing the inductees from the international ballot and veterans and lifetime achievement categories in the coming weeks.

Mickelson's brilliant career has been highlighted by Masters titles in 2004, 2006 and 2010, and a PGA Championship in 2005. He has 35 other PGA Tour wins, including the 2007 Players Championship.

"It seems Phil has been destined for this honor for some time," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in making the announcement Thursday at the Singapore Open. "From his days as one of world's premier amateur players to his seamless transition to professional star, Phil has always performed at the highest levels of the sport and this recognition is well deserved."

Mickelson became eligible for the Hall of Fame after he turned 40 years old last year. A player on the PGA Tour ballot also needs to be a tour member for 10 years and must have at least 10 tour wins, two major championship titles or two Players Championship victories.

Others on the PGA Tour ballot that received consideration but fell short of the 65 percent vote needed for induction included Fred Couples (38 percent), Davis Love III and Mark O'Meara (29 percent each), and Ken Venturi (27 percent).