Former Ryder Cup participant and Sky Sports activities commentator Peter Oosterhuis has died aged 75.
Oosterhuis, who topped the European Tour’s Order of Benefit from 1971-1974 and twice completed runner-up within the Open Championship, had been affected by Alzheimer’s since 2014.
Following a profitable newbie profession, Oosterhuis turned skilled in 1968 and rapidly made his mark with a tie for sixth within the 1970 Open at St Andrews, the place Jack Nicklaus defeated Doug Sanders in a play-off.
He completed high of the European Tour’s cash checklist for the primary time in 1971 and had an excellent likelihood to win the Masters in 1973 when he took a three-shot lead into the ultimate spherical, however a closing 74 left him in a tie for third, two photographs behind winner Tommy Aaron.
Oosterhuis additionally completed second within the 1974 Open at Royal Lytham, 4 photographs behind Gary Participant, and was runner-up once more at Royal Troon in 1982 as Tom Watson lifted the Claret Jug for the fourth time.
All six of his Ryder Cup appearances led to defeat at a time of American dominance, though he defeated Arnold Palmer (twice), Johnny Miller, JC Snead and Gene Littler in singles.
Oosterhuis additionally partnered Sir Nick Faldo to 2 wins on the six-time main winner’s Ryder Cup debut in 1977, together with a 3&1 success over Nicklaus and Raymond Floyd.
Given honorary life membership of the European Tour in 2016, Oosterhuis is survived by his second spouse, Ruth Ann, and his son Rob, knowledgeable golfer.
Oosterhuis ‘true legend of British golf’
Oosterhuis was a key a part of Sky Sports activities’ golf protection from 1995 to 2008, masking Ryder Cups and majors, with the Englishman additionally working as an analyst for Golf Channel, CBS Sports activities and BBC Sport throughout a distinguished profession throughout a number of broadcasters.
Jason Wessely, Sky Sports activities’ director of golf, stated: “Peter Oosterhuis was a real legend of British golf and introduced his experience from competing in majors and Ryder Cups to the Sky broadcasts.
“Peter was a perceptive and insightful pundit and had an easy-going model as a commentator. Greater than that, Peter was a delight to work with – an actual gentleman who handled everybody on the Sky group with politeness.
“It was an honour and privilege to work him and everybody at Sky Sports activities is saddened by the information of his passing and ship our condolences to his household.”
Gallacher: Oosterhuis loss ‘unhappy day’ for golf
Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, who partnered Oosterhuis within the biennial competitors, paid tribute to his former team-mate and stated: “That is an extremely unhappy day for everybody who was fortunate sufficient to know
Peter, but in addition for the sport of golf as an entire.
“I performed alongside Peter at boys, youths and senior newbie degree right through to being his accomplice within the 1971 Ryder Cup in Missouri, the place we mixed to beat Lee Trevino and Billy Casper earlier than he went on to win each his singles matches, together with beating Arnold Palmer.
“Peter was an extremely clever golfer, devoted to his craft and to observe. He excelled in course administration and placing which made him a really tough opponent to get the higher of.
“He was additionally a really clever man and a stunning individual to be with in firm. I by no means heard him speak badly of anybody within the a long time I knew him and that, alongside his eloquence and deep data of the sport, was the rationale he was additionally such a preferred and glorious broadcaster.”
