[ad_1]
Former Ryder Cup golfer Peter Oosterhuis has died aged 75.
The Englishman was twice a finalist at the Open, in 1974 and 1982, and topped the European Tour Order of Merit from 1971 to 1974.
He later became a television commentator and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
His former Ryder Cup teammate Bernard Gallacher said: “This is an incredibly sad day for everyone who was lucky enough to know Peter, but also for golf as a whole.”
After a successful amateur career, Oosterhuis turned professional in 1968 and finished tied for sixth at the 1970 Open at St Andrews, where Jack Nicklaus beat Doug Sanders in a play-off.
He took a three-shot lead into the final round of the 1973 Masters, but a final 74 left him tied for third place, two shots behind winner Tommy Aaron.
His six Ryder Cup appearances ended in defeat during an era of American dominance, but he beat Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, JC Snead and Gene Littler in singles.
“I played alongside Peter at boys, youth and senior amateur level until being his partner in the 1971 Ryder Cup in Missouri, where we combined to beat Lee Trevino and Billy Casper before he won his two singles matches, including beating Arnold Palmer,” Gallacher said.
“Peter was an incredibly intelligent golfer, dedicated to his craft and his training. He excelled at course management and putting, which made him a very difficult opponent to defeat.
“He was also a very intelligent man and a pleasant person to be around.”
[ad_2]
