World Golf Hall of Fame's 2008 balloting is under way

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- The World Golf Hall of Fame has released the 2008 PGA TOUR and International ballots to the respective voting bodies comprised of Hall of Fame members, golf journalists, historians and dignitaries from around the globe. The ballots are due Friday, March 3, and announcements for the 2008 Class will be made later this spring.

Lanny Wadkins holds the trophy during the 1995 Ryder Cup press conference at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. (Stewart/Getty Images)

Of the 17 candidates on the PGA TOUR ballot, the top returning finishers from 2007 include Craig Wood (57%), Lanny Wadkins (50%) and Denny Shute (31%). The International ballot, which has 10 candidates, will again include last year's vote leaders Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki (46 %), Jose Maria Olazabal (43%), Sandy Lyle (37%) and Colin Montgomerie (27%). The complete list of 2008 PGA TOUR and International candidates is below, as are the percentages from the 2007 ballot results.

"The distribution of the ballots is one of the most important aspects of the Induction process and ultimately determines the next class of legends who will be honored within the World Golf Hall of Fame," said Jack Peter, the Hall's senior vice president and chief operating officer. "We value the voting body members' participation in the process and look forward to the results."

Australia's Craig Parry is a new addition to the International ballot, earning the necessary 50 points with a victory at the 2008 Australian Open. His record includes 13 PGA Tour of Australasia victories, five European Tour titles and participation on three Presidents Cup Teams with a singles matches record of 3-0-0. There were no new additions to the 2008 PGA TOUR ballot.

International ballot voters have the ability to nominate candidates for the Lifetime Achievement category, and the World Golf Hall of Fame Advisory Board can nominate for both the Lifetime Achievement and Veterans categories. Both discretionary categories will be determined by the World Golf Foundation Board of Directors Selection Committee this Spring.

The 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this November at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.