Golf legend passes away aged 81 following battle with pancreatic cancer
United States Golf Association (USGA) confirms the sad passing of Walker Cup record holder and eight-time PGA Tour Champions winner Jay Sigel.
Jay Sigel, one of golf’s most accomplished amateur champions and a revered figure in both amateur and senior professional ranks, passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 81 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) confirmed the sad news on social media on 20 April.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Sigel built a legacy through dominance on the amateur circuit.
He won the U.S. Amateur Championship back-to-back in 1982 and 1983, and captured the British Amateur in 1979.
Sigel also captured three U.S. Mid-Amateur titles (1983, 1985, 1987).
In a historic feat, Sigel won both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur in the same year (1983)—a distinction that remains unmatched.
Sigel's contributions to team golf were equally distinguished.
The American represented the United States in nine Walker Cup matches, serving as playing captain in 1983 and 1985,.
He still holds Walker Cup records for most matches played (33) and most victories (18).
Though he delayed turning professional, Sigel joined the PGA Tour Champions aged 50 and made an immediate impact.
He earned Rookie of the Year honours in 1994 and went on to win eight titles on the senior circuit, including the 1996 Energizer Senior Tour Championship and the 1997 Bell Atlantic Classic.
All of us at the USGA are deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Sigel, a true legend of amateur golf and a cherished member of the USGA family.
— USGA (@USGA) April 20, 2025
Over his professional senior career, he amassed more than $9m in earnings.
Despite never turning pro in his prime, Sigel made 18 appearances in major championships, with his best result a finish of T26 at the 1980 Masters, which also saw him crowned low amateur at famed Augusta National.
Off the course, Sigel was a passionate philanthropist.
Since 1992, his Jay Sigel Invitational charity tournament has raised more than $5.1m for cancer research at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center.
Sigel is survived by his wife, Betty, and their three daughters.
More than a champion, Sigel will be remembered as a gentleman of the game, whose sportsmanship, leadership, and commitment to giving back enriched the world of golf and beyond.
RIP Jay Sigel
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