OLAZABAL ELECTED TO WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

Associated Press Sports -

Jose Maria Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros, known as the "Spanish Armada'' during their indomitable partnership in the Ryder Cup, never had to exchange ideas because they thought and played so much alike.

Olazabal, Masters champ in 1994 and 1999, was elected on the International ballot and will be part of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class that also includes Lanny Wadkins and Christy O'Connor. Wadkins was elected through the PGA Tour ballot, while O'Connor was selected in the Veterans Category.

"I am delighted with this news," Olazabal said in a statement. "Only a small group of people are privileged to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame and I have a huge respect for all the players already there.

"There are huge, huge players in the Hall of Fame, legends such as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many, many other greats. I am just thrilled that I am going to be just a little part of this."

"I am particularly happy to follow Seve's footsteps into the Hall of Fame," Olazabal added. "He opened so many doors for us and we owe him a huge debt."

The 2009 World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida on Monday, November 2.