JOHNNY MILLER, the former US Open and British Open champion, yesterday became the first player elected to the PGA Tour Hall of Fame.

The 49 year old Miller, who won 24 PGA titles during his career, was the only player named on the required 75 per cent of the ballots in the first Hall of Fame voting, the PGA Tour announced.

Miller, currently a commentator for NBC Sports, was named on 79 per cent of the ballots. Former US Open champion Lloyd Mangrum was second in the voting but fell short, turning up on 63 per cent of the ballots. He was followed by Tom Eite (54), Ben Crenshaw (44) and Greg Norman (42).

Miller will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in St Augustine, Florida when the facility opens in 1998.

Miller joined the PGA Tour in 1969 and four years later won the US Open with final round 63 at Oakmont Country Club.

He won eight titles in 1974, four more in 1975 and three tournaments, including the British Opens at Royal Birkdale, in 1976.

A lingering back injury forced Miller into virtual retirement in 1990, although he managed to stun the golf world by winning the Pebble Beach National Pro Am in 1994, one of only four events he entered that year.

To be eligible for election into the Hall of Fame, a PGA Tour player must have at least 10 victories in approved tournaments, or at least two wins among The Players Championship, Masters Tournament, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship, be at least 40 years old and have been a member of the PGA Tour for a minimum of 10 years.

Mark O'Meara, Nick Price and Payne Stewart will all become eligible for Hall of Fame balloting in 1997. All three have the requisite victories and turn 40 next year.