Welsh golfing legend Brian Huggett, who played in six Ryder Cups and was runner-up in the 1965 Open Championship, has passed away at the age of 87. Huggett died in the early hours of Sunday morning after a short illness, according to a statement from his family.
Born in Porthcawl, Huggett enjoyed a stellar career, winning 16 European Circuit events and being named Europe’s top golfer in 1968. He captained the Great Britain and Ireland team at the 1977 Ryder Cup, the last edition before players from the rest of Europe were included. Huggett was also instrumental in bringing the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010.
Despite his small stature, Huggett was renowned for his skill and tenacity. He turned professional in 1951 and became one of the standout players on the European Circuit, the forerunner of today’s European Tour, during the 1960s. He won 14 times on the European Circuit and claimed two more victories after the European Tour was officially established in 1972.
