David Toms shocked and not amused by his short tenure on Hall of Fame ballot

- AP
HONOLULU (AP) -- For those who believe 40 is too young to be considered for the Hall of Fame, consider the plight of David Toms.

He was put on the PGA Tour ballot when he turned 40 because of his 12 victories (one of them a major) and 10 years on the PGA Tour. Toms received 1 percent of the vote in 2007, and he didn't receive any votes last year.

Because he did not receive at least 5 percent of the vote in consecutive years, he was taken off the ballot this year.

"I don't even think of the Hall of Fame until a guy turns 50, until he's almost done in golf," Toms said. "That's more fair than throwing someone like me on the ballot just because I meet the criteria."

Toms does not have Hall of Fame credentials -- not yet, maybe not ever.

With his experience, and feeling healthier than he has in recent years, he believes he is capable of winning at least another major and three more victories. "Two majors and 15 wins would be more than I could have hoped for when I started," he said.

What if he achieves more? After turning 42, Kenny Perry went on to win eight times.

"Can they put you back on?" Toms said.

Yes.

Jack Peter, the chief operating officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame, said the board of directors has the authority to place a golfer back on the ballot once removed. Even so, this might be more ammunition for those who believe a player should not be on the ballot until he is closer to the end of his career.

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