16 December 2011 12:40 GMT

Former Open Champion Sandy Lyle and legendary commentator Peter Alliss are to be honoured for their contribution to the game with induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Two-time Major winner Lyle — elected through the International Ballot — and Alliss — selected via the Lifetime Achievement Category — will be honoured along with fellow inductees Phil Mickelson, Hollis Stacy and Dan Jenkins at a ceremony on 7 May, 2012 at the World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida.

Both men’s careers will be forever associated with The Open Championship. Lyle won his first Major at Royal St George’s in 1985 while former golf pro Alliss began the career that would make him a household name by commentating on Arnold Palmer’s 1961 Open victory at Royal Birkdale.

The official announcement was made by European Tour Chief Executive and World Golf Foundation Chairman George O’Grady and World Golf Hall of Fame Chief Operating Officer Jack Peter during The European Tour’s Race to Dubai Golfer of the Year Luncheon in London. European Ryder Cup captain José María Olazábal, himself a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was also in attendance.

“I am not only delighted, but also very excited to be honoured by the World Golf Hall of Fame,” said the 53 year old Scot. “I would like to thank all who voted for me — to be placed in the company of the greatest names in our game is very special and I am looking forward so much to the Induction Ceremony next May.”

Lyle’s other Major victory came at the 1988 Masters Tournament, where he made a birdie on the 18th hole to become the first British winner at Augusta National.

Along with the 1988 Masters Tournament, Lyle also picked up The Players Championship on the US PGA Tour in 1987. In total he has won 29 tournaments worldwide, including 16 on The European Tour and three other US PGA Tour titles. In 1987, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Lyle’s triumphs in The Open and Masters were just two of many memorable television occasions that have been commentated on by Allis.

Son of Percy Alliss, one of the finest players of his generation, Peter turned professional when only 15. He won 23 tournaments worldwide during the 1950s and 1960s, and was twice a winner of the Vardon Trophy. He was selected for every Great Britain and Ireland Ryder Cup team except one from 1953 to 1969 and played ten times for England in the World Cup.

But it is as commentator that Alliss is perhaps best known, bringing his own unique style to countless classic golfing moments.

“This is all very unexpected,” said the 80 year-old Englishman. “I am delighted, surprised, humbled and honoured to be thought of in this way and to be given a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame, particularly as it is chosen by people all around the world.”