Jay Sigel, the person extensively considered one of many biggest American beginner golfers, died of pancreatic most cancers, the U.S. Golf Affiliation introduced on Sunday.
Sigel died on Saturday on the age of 81.
The beginner golfer had two U.S. Newbie titles and three U.S. Mid-Newbie victories to his identify, whereas additionally collaborating in 9 Walker Cup matches and being named captain twice.
The Bryn Mawr, Pa. native captured 10 state amateurs and 4 state opens, whereas successful 3 times every on the Porter Cup, Sunnehanna Newbie and Northeast Newbie.
“He was a dear friend and somebody that we will remember forever, and take a lot of inspiration from,” USGA president-elect and chair of the Championship Committee Kevin Hammer mentioned in an obituary. “Finest beginner since Bobby Jones arms down.
“Not only was his career as an amateur – and as a professional [on the PGA Tour Champions] — incredibly successful and legendary, but he [also] participated alongside all of the members [at Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach, Fla.] in team matches, supported the club, helped the juniors and just was inspirational at every level. His legacy extends far beyond his playing credentials, which are extraordinary.”
Sigel was additionally the low beginner on the Masters 3 times and as soon as on the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.
He had deliberate to show professional initially again when he competed for Wake Forest, however he injured his arm throughout his sophomore yr in a freak accident during which his left hand went by means of a pane window and required 70 stitches.
The damage resulted in a nine-day keep on the hospital and led Sigel to rethink his hopes of going professional, and he as an alternative began an insurance coverage enterprise.
“I always thought things happen for a reason,” Sigel mentioned. “The hand injury was the best thing to happen to me.”
Sigel did flip professional later in life on the age of fifty and went on to win eight PGA Tour Champions occasions.
