Fred Couples was overcome by emotion after being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013 on Monday.

The American former world number one, a 15-times champion on the PGA Tour, twice choked up with tears during his acceptance speech in St Augustine, Florida on what he described as “the coolest night of my life”.

Couples was inducted along with eight-times European Tour order of merit winner Colin Montgomerie, former US Open champion and television broadcaster Ken Venturi, former European Tour executive director Ken Schofield and twice former British Open winner Willie Park Jr.

The first American player to reach number one in the official world rankings, Couples broke down when he described how he had gained motivation to pursue a career in golf while attending a golf clinic in Seattle at the age of 14.

“An unbelievable PGA Tour player was doing the clinic, and I got up front and I was staring at him,” the 53-year-old Couples recalled.

“I wasn’t really the person who said, ‘I’m going to be a PGA Tour player.’ But I knew I wanted to get involved in golf.

“And the gentleman’s name was Lee Trevino, who has been a mentor and someone I love.”

Montgomerie was delighted to earn his place in the class of 2013 after a career highlighted by 31 victories on the European Tour.

“This has been a humbling experience for me,” said the 49-year-old Scot, who also compiled a stellar record in the biennial Ryder Cup team competition where he never lost in eight singles matches.

“I’m very proud to be standing here in front of you this evening.”