Peter Oosterhuis dead at 75: Ryder Cup star and Masters commentator dies as tributes pour in

Legendary golfer and commentator Peter Oosterhuis has died aged 75.

Oosterhuis was one of Europe’s best professional golfers before becoming a much-loved sports commentator.

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Affectionately known as “Oosty”, the Englishman was a member of six consecutive Ryder Cup teams and topped the European Tour Order of Merit between 1971 and 1974.

He also finished runner-up in the Open Championship in 1974 and 1982.

Oosterhuis had suffered from Alzheimer’s since 2014.

He passed away peacefully this morning, one day before his 76th birthday.

Born in Lambeth, London, in 1948, Oosterhuis cultivated his golf skills at Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Golf Club after being allowed onto the course to pick blackberries for his family.

He became the first schoolboy to represent Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup before turning professional in the late 1960s.

Three wins in 1971 put him at the top of the money list for the first of his four consecutive seasons.

That year, Oosterhuis also made his PGA Tour debut at the Greater Greensboro Open before making his Masters debut for the first time a week later.

Oosterhuis won ten tournaments, including the Harry Vardon Trophy for topping the Order of Merit for four consecutive seasons.

He remains tied for the all-time lead in Ryder Cup singles wins for both sides with six.

From 1987 to 1993, Oosterhuis was director of golf at Forsgate Country Club, NJ, and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Oosterhuis’ work as The Golf Channel’s lead analyst on the DP World Tour led him to become a mainstay in CBS’ PGA Tour coverage, including the Masters between 1997 and 2014.

He was named an honorary lifetime member of the European Tour in 2016.

Oosterhuis is survived by his second wife, Ruth Ann, sons Rob and Rich, stepsons Byron and Matt, and four grandchildren, Peyton, Turner, Sutton and Lachlan.

Paying tribute on social media, Scotland-based Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews said: “We are saddened to hear the news that Peter Oosterhuis, twice runner-up at @TheOpen and who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup and the Eisenhower Trophy, died aged 75.

“Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this sad time.”

The Legends Tour said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Oosterhuis, four-time Harry Vardon Trophy winner and six-time Ryder Cup player, aged 75.”

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