St. Augustine, Florida - Spanish golfing legend Seve Ballesteros is to introduce his friend and compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Organizers said in a statement on Tuesday that although health reasons will prevent Ballesteros to travel to the induction on November 2, the 52-year-old, who has been battling a brain tumour the past year, will deliver a video message.
Others to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame at the World Golf Village in St. Augestine, Florida, are Christy O'Connor, Lanny Wadkins and the late Dwight D Eisenhower, who will be introduced by Christy O'Connor Jnr, Jim Nantz and Arnold Palmer, respectively.
Ballesteros said that Olazabel "deserves it for all he has done and is still doing for golf.
"I am very happy for him as a professional but it makes me happier for him as a person. He really deserves to be there. He means a lot to me. He is one of my best friends and I have had the honor of sharing with him many different moments in our lives.
"He has been by my side in the good times and in the not so very good times and I will always be there for him. Believe me that my heart and thoughts will be with you all. Jose Maria, welcome to the Hall of Fame my friend," Ballesteros said.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Hall of Fame, Jack Peter said: "Each year's induction class represents stories in the game of golf that are both powerful and captivating.
"The guests who attend the ceremony and those who watch the international broadcast will enjoy hearing the personal stories and irreplaceable anecdotes that invariably surface during the evening. It's a special time in golf and surely for the 2009 Class."
