It was officially announced Wednesday that Larry Nelson was elected to World Golf Hall of Fame. This honor was way overdue for this 3 time major winner.

Larry Nelson’s story is an American fairy tale. Vietnam veteran who returns home, learns the game of golf, turns professional golfer, struggles, but eventually goes on to win the PGA Championship and the US Open twice. Why then did it take so long for him to get elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame?

Not only was Nelson a self made golfer and a great gentleman to boot. But he was quiet and humble in the way he approached the game. Maybe that’s what hurt him. I thought, maybe mistakenly, that professional golf was still immune to the media craze where you have to be an entertainer to be recognized.

Larry Nelson has never been Ryder Cup captain, passed over the last 4 times for that honor. And he was on his 11th ballot for the Hall. I don’t understand it but I am extremely glad that he made it in. This is a well deserved, if way overdue honor. Congratulations Larry!