PGA Tour Hall of Fame: How it would look with LPGA criteria

The echoes of what Lydia Ko accomplished in the summer of 2024 will long resonate in golf history. Among her accomplishments is becoming the 26th player in history to earn her spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame. This feat has once again put the spotlight on how incredibly difficult it is to meet the criteria for the world’s most exclusive Hall of Fame.

Recently, a thought-provoking thread on the social news platform X, posted by a Golf Digest’s Jamie Kennedy worker, sparked a discussion: What if the LPGA Hall of Fame criteria were applied to PGA Tour players? Which legends of the game would qualify under these rules?

As LPGA Host Hope Barnett says, “let’s geit into it”.

Reimagining Hall of Fame Eligibility

The LPGA Hall of Fame criteria are unique in that they rely on a points system, requiring players to amass a total of 27 points to gain entry. Points are awarded based on specific achievements: 2 points for each major win, 1 point for a regular tour win, 1 point for a Player of the Year (POTY) award, and 1 point for securing a Scoring Title. This system has created a structured path to immortality, rewarding consistent excellence over the course of a career.

Inspired by this system, the Golf Digest thread delved into how PGA Tour players would fare if these same criteria were applied. The exercise not only highlighted the incredible accomplishments of some of golf’s greatest players but also provided a fresh perspective on their legacies.

PGA Tour Legends Under the LPGA Points System

1- Tiger Woods: 117 Points  

Tiger Woods, another name synonymous with greatness, would amass a remarkable 117 points. Woods’s career is decorated with 15 major titles, 67 regular tour victories, 11 Player of the Year awards, and 9 Scoring Titles. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a place among golf’s elite, making him an undeniable Hall of Famer by any standard.

2- Jack Nicklaus: 104 Points

Known as “The Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus is often regarded as the greatest golfer of all time. Applying the LPGA Hall of Fame criteria, Nicklaus would easily qualify with an astonishing 104 points. His record includes 18 major victories, 55 regular Tour wins, 5 Player of the Year awards, and 8 Scoring Titles. Nicklaus’s dominance across multiple decades makes him a shoo-in for any Hall of Fame.

3- Arnold Palmer: 75 Points  

Arnold Palmer, the charismatic “King” of golf, would secure 75 points. Palmer’s achievements on the PGA Tour include 9 major victories and 24 regular tour wins. Although his regular tour wins are fewer compared to others on this list, Palmer’s impact on the sport is immeasurable, and his points total would easily earn him a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

4- Phil Mickelson: 51 Points  

Phil Mickelson, affectionately known as “Lefty,” would also qualify with 51 points. His career boasts 6 major victories and 39 regular tour wins. Although Mickelson has never won a Player of the Year award or a Scoring Title, his total points are more than enough to secure a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

5- Vijay Singh: 39 Points

Vijay Singh, known for his work ethic and longevity, would secure 39 points. Singh’s career includes 3 major victories, 31 regular tour wins, 1 Player of the Year award, and 1 Scoring Title. His remarkable consistency and success make him a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame under this system.

6- Rory McIlroy: 37 Points

Rory McIlroy, one of the modern era’s most successful golfers, would earn 37 points under the LPGA system. McIlroy’s achievements include 4 major titles, 22 regular tour wins, 3 Player of the Year awards, and 4 Scoring Titles. His ability to consistently compete at the highest level has cemented his status as one of the game’s top players.

7- Gary Player: 33 Points

Gary Player, known as the “Black Knight,” would accumulate 33 points. Player’s PGA Tour record includes 9 major victories and 24 regular tour wins. However, his global success and influence on the game extend far beyond these numbers, making him one of golf’s all-time greats.

8- Dustin Johnson: 30 Points

Dustin Johnson, a player known for his power and precision, would qualify with 30 points. Johnson’s record includes 2 major titles, 22 regular tour wins, 2 Player of the Year awards, and 2 Scoring Titles. His impressive resume reflects his status as one of the premier golfers of his generation.

9- Johnny Miller: 30 Points 

Johnny Miller, one of the most dominant players of the 1970s, would also earn 30 points. Miller’s career highlights include 2 major wins, 23 regular tour victories, 1 Player of the Year award, and 2 Scoring Titles. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in major tournaments, has solidified his place in golf history.

The exersice

There are a few players missing from this list (Sam Snead, Walter Hagen), but not many. The exercise of applying the LPGA Hall of Fame criteria to PGA Tour legends offers a fascinating lens through which to view the accomplishments of these iconic players.

While the PGA Tour has its own methods of recognizing greatness, this points-based system underscores the consistent excellence required to achieve Hall of Fame status.

As the conversation continues, it will be interesting to see if any adjustments to the Hall of Fame criteria across different tours will be influenced by such comparisons. For now, these PGA Tour legends have more than proven their worth, both under their own system and through this intriguing LPGA lens.