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By John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor

AVONDALE, La. -- Earlier this week, it was announced that Hubert Green and Curtis Strange will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in November.

Mark Calcavecchia broke through with a major title at Troon in 1989, and at 46, isn't showing signs of slowing down. (WireImage)

There is little argument against either selection. Curtis' back-to-back U.S Open titles alone would have been enough to consider him a viable candidate. This is the ultimate honor for two fabulous careers.

Three days after the announcement, Mark Calcavecchia held the 36-hole lead at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Like several other players of his era, Mark will have a good argument for entrance into the Hall of Fame by the time they put 50 candles on his cake. But are 13 victories and one major enough? How about Paul Azinger with his 12 victories and 1993 PGA Championship? Is the 2008 Ryder Cup Captain destined for the Hall of Fame?

One of Paul's predecessors as Ryder Cup captain, Lanny Wadkins, is still waiting for the honor that many believe that he deserves. His 21 PGA TOUR victories, including the 1977 PGA Championship, certainly meet the minimum criteria. The same can be said of Fuzzy Zoeller, who can sit in his den in his Green Jacket and stare at the U.S. Open trophy.

With Lanny and Fuzzy still waiting, what about players like Davis Love III and Fred Couples? Of course, Freddy, who is 47, and Davis, 43, both have plenty of time to add to their resumes. Davis' 19 PGA TOUR victories, including the 1997 PGA Championship and two PLAYERS Championships, put him -- at the very least -- on the doorstep to the Hall. Freddy has a Green Jacket and two PLAYERS Championships, as well. He is on the front porch, too.

Where does that leave guys like Calcavecchia, Lee Janzen and Corey Pavin? Obviously, all three are still playing full time on the PGA TOUR and can add to their resumes. At 46, Calc seems to be playing some of the best golf of his career.

Already a winner this year at the PODS Championship, Mark is rolling his rock well again. Mark has always been a streaky putter. When he is on, he is unbeatable, as he showed us at the 2001 Phoenix Open, when he broke the all-time scoring record on the PGA TOUR.

It is never a surprise when one of these veterans finds his way back into the winner's circle.

Vijay Singh, already a member of the Hall of Fame, has shown us that with dedication and commitment a player can play his best golf after his 40th birthday. That is one of the unique things about golf. It is rare in sports when an athlete can be competitive against players half his age.

The question of who belongs in the Hall of Fame is great for 19th-hole debate. There are certainly players who have been inducted more for their contributions to the game than for their playing record. In many ways a person's contribution to the game is more important than his performance. Unfortunately, it is not nearly as quantitative. Goodness does not have a line in the box score. Career victories, Ryder Cup records and major championships tend to have a more tangible impact on the selection committee.

The truth is that there are many deserving players who have also conducted themselves like gentlemen throughout their careers. Ken Venturi might not have had the playing credentials that some of his contemporaries had, but his impact on the game is undeniable. For 30 years, Venturi brought golf into our living rooms as an analyst for CBS.

If were up to me, Mr. Venturi and Lanny Wadkins would both be in the Hall of Fame. As for the other names that I have mentioned, I wish that the committee would make one modification to the eligibility process. A player is currently eligible for the Hall once he has met the minimum playing requirements and his 40th birthday. Why not make it 50, instead? With the fitness and longevity of today's players, some of their careers are only slightly more than halfway finished after three decades.

It is obviously an overwhelming compliment to become a member. Who will follow Strange and Green in the years to come, though? Calcavecchia has an opportunity to add to his resume on Sunday. The victory probably wouldn't get Mark into the Hall, but he would certainly be one step closer to the front door.

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