Brian Huggett, one of the most influential and respected players in the development of the European Tour and Ryder Cup, has passed away at the age of 87.
The six-time Ryder Cup player had an illustrious career spanning more than half a century. After turning professional in 1951, he won 16 tournaments between 1962 and 1978, including two after the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) officially launched in 1972. He also won 11 times on the senior circuit, including the Senior Open in 1998.
He was awarded the Order of Merit and won the Harry Vardon Trophy in 1968, and placed third in 1969, 1970 and 1972.
Huggett served as non-player captain in the final Ryder Cup before continental European players took part in golf’s greatest team competition, in 1977 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club.
He was awarded an MBE in 1978 for his services to golf and was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2012 he was made an honorary life member of the European Tour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game of golf.
Wales Golf pays tribute
Wales Golf hailed Mr Huggett as a legend of Welsh sport who played a major role in bringing the Ryder Cup to Celtic Manor in 2010.
Rob Holt, former Ryder Cup Wales chief executive and chairman of the Golf Association of Wales, said: “They say you never meet your heroes but with Brian that was completely wrong. He was an icon who lived up to expectations.”
I remember watching Brian play in the Welsh PGA at Whitchurch Golf Club in Cardiff as a kid and then I had the opportunity to meet him later on through the Ryder Cup.
“He was passionate about Welsh golf and he was passionate about the Ryder Cup. It was the perfect combination for him. He was instrumental in bringing the Ryder Cup to Wales.”
“He played a big role behind the scenes because he was involved in the bidding and had a wide network of contacts. I was with him once and was introduced straight away to people like Bobby Charlton and Tony Jacklin. Those were the kind of people he was involved with.”
“He was a very generous and family-oriented man who never forgot his roots and always spoke of Royal Porthcawl, where his father worked, and Nice as his favourite courses.
“It has been a privilege to get to know him and witness first-hand his passion for Welsh golf. He has been a fantastic ambassador for Welsh golf during the Ryder Cup and in the run-up to the tournament.”
“We will remember him for his continuing contribution to Welsh golf and for a playing career that ranks among the finest golfers Wales has ever produced.”
“His death is extremely sad and our deepest condolences go to his family, his wife Winnie and their two daughters.”