Acclaimed PGA Tour golfer Tom Watson has another accolade to add to his legacy and it has nothing to do with his signature sport.

On Saturday night, more than 200 people crowded the Klub Community Building in Mound City, Mo., as Mr. Watson and four other individuals were inducted into the Waterfowler's Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame, formed in 1991 by waterfowl hunter J.B. "Doc" McRae, honors duck hunters from all over, most of whom have done their hunting in the Mound City area.

Mr. Watson, a Kansas City native and winner of eight major golf championships, said his love for the sport is one that has been passed down from previous generations and one he plans on continuing.

"My father gave me the passion for hunting and playing golf and I'm hoping I'm doing the same thing for my son," he said.

With his induction, Mr. Watson joins an assortment of honored waterfowl hunters with careers ranging from auctioneers to lawyers to licensed hot air balloon pilots.

Waterfowler's Hall of Fame president Joe Laukemper said whatever fame the person may have in society means little in the hunting world.

"It's not about being a famous person," he said. "Most people in here are just common people. It's the bond people share of the sport."

As people socialized over dinner and drinks, the feeling of the ceremony was closer to a family reunion than an awards celebration.

"It's about the freedom and keeping the right to pass the legacy on to your children," Mr. Laukemper said.

As Mr. Watson accepted his induction and waxed nostalgic about his time spent in Mound City, he recognized the importance of keeping the sport in the family.

"Hand (the sport) down. We need to continue that down," he said.

Andrew Gaug can be reached

at andrewgaug@npgco.com.