English golf hero Peter Oosterhuis dies aged 75
Sad news has reached us that one-time PGA Tour winner Peter Oosterhuis has died.
English golf hero Peter Oosterhuis has sadly passed away at the age of 75.
London-born Oosterhuis had a glittering amateur and professional golf career, winning 28 times around the world including once on the PGA Tour.
That victory came at the 1981 Canadian Open where he pipped record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus to the title.
The Englishman, who was fondly known as 'Oosty' to his peers, also won seven times on the European Tour, including back-to-back wins at the French Open in 1973 and 1974.
He also won the famous Italian Open in 1974, and enjoyed a number of wins over in South Africa.
Oosterhuis also won the Order of Merit on the European Tour, which is now the Race to Dubai, four straight years from 1971 to 1974.
PGA TOUR winner and longtime Masters voice Peter Oosterhuis has passed away at the age of 75.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 2, 2024
Oosterhuis came agonisinly close to etching his name on the famous Claret Jug at The Open with runner-up finishes in both 1974 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and again at Royal Troon in 1982.
Troon is of course hosting this year's Open Championship from 18-21 July.
We are saddened to hear the news that Peter Oosterhuis, runner-up twice in @TheOpen and who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup and Eisenhower Trophy, has passed away aged 75.
— The R&A (@RandA) May 2, 2024
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/1SmTpRAqAV
Other standout achievements in Oosterhuis' career include representing Great Britain & Ireland at the Ryder Cup six consecutive times from 1971 to 1981.
"Get close baby, come on!"
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) July 2, 2020
Peter Oosterhuis' ball was certainly listening back at The 1973 Ryder Cup. pic.twitter.com/B2mLq6v9qQ
RIP Peter Oosterhuis. Fine player who dominated European golf when only winning made you any money. pic.twitter.com/4Dulug57OJ
— Straight Down The Middle (@sdtmgolf) May 2, 2024
After his career on the fairways, Oosterhuis turned to golf broadcasting, and he is perhaps best known for his time calling the action on the par-4 17th at Augusta National during their annual coverage of The Masters.
He also appeared regularly in the commentary box on Sky Sports Golf.
Sad to hear of the passing of Peter Oosterhuis. A wonderful golfer who achieved much. But more than that, a gentleman, a great colleague and a man you’d be proud to call a friend. He was special and my thoughts are with Ruth Ann and family. Thank you Peter for being you.
— Ewen Murray (@ewenmurray77) May 2, 2024
Oosterhuis retired from broadcasting in 2014 and later revealed he was battling with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Peter is survived by his wife, sons Rob and Rich, stepsons Byron and Matt and four grandchildren Peyton, Turner, Sutton and Lachlan.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
RIP Peter Oosterhuis.
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