Sir Bob Charles has been elevated to The Order of New Zealand, the country's highest honour, in the New Year's Honours List.
The order, instituted in 1987, to recognise outstanding service to the country, is limited to 20 living people, though additional members have been appointed in commemoration of important occasions.
It now has 18 ordinary members, with Sir Bob's appointment. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark was appointed last year.
Sir Bob, knighted in 1999, was the first New Zealander and the first left-hander to win a Major Championship, with his triumph in The Open in 1963. He has won more than 60 international titles and remains competitive at 74 years old.
He supports and mentors young players and donates one percent of his income to New Zealand golf though the Sir Bob Charles Scholarships, awarded annually to promising young golfers.
"I'm very proud, humble and thankful," Sir Bob said of his award. "Proud to be recognised by New Zealand for my achievements and contribution to New Zealand golf; humble to be joining such an illustrious group of New Zealanders; and thankful for the opportunity the sport of golf has given me."
