Columnist Peter Benton: New class enters Hall of Fame

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 | 9:03 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Isao Aoki, Tom Kite, Charlie Sifford and Marlene Stewart Streit were named this month as the 2004 inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame in Florida, being recognized for their personal, professional and amateur achievements.

Four new exhibits, named after the aforementioned inductees, opened the day after their induction. Following is a brief bio of each player plus some of the personal items they have submitted for display:

Isao Aoki recorded one tour victory before joining the Champions tour in 1992, where he has recorded nine wins. He donated the pitching wedge he used to eagle the 72nd hole to win the 1983 Hawaiian Open.

Tom Kite registered 19 PGA victories including the 1992 U.S. Open Championship. He came aboard the Champions Tour in 2000 and has won seven titles. He donated the Hogan bag and clubs he used to win the 1992 U.S. Open; Ryder Cup golf bags, including one from 1997 when he was captain; 1998 Players Championship and 2000 Countrywide Tradition trophies.

Charlie Sifford won twice on both PGA and Champions tours. He donated the first PGA member card Sifford was granted in 1960, when he became the first black player to play on the PGA tour; the scorecards and plaque from his 1967 Greater Hartford Open victory; his contestant badge, commemorative medallion and program from his 1969 Los Angeles Open win.

Marlene Stewart Streit, a truly extraordinary player who last year, at the age of 69, became the oldest champion of the USGA's Senior Women's Amateur. She donated the first set of golf clubs she purchased for $90 after earning the money by caddying; the first trophy she ever won, at age 15; and one of her two Lou Marsh trophies given to the Canadian Athlete of the Year.

The four new inductees are most deserving recipients of this honor and now join the 100 other members of the World Golf Hall of Fame.