Peter Oosterhuis, a legendary golf commentator and former golfer that made six total appearances in the Ryder Cup, has reportedly died at the age of 75. Oosterhuis was tremendously popular as a commentator.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The star died just one day prior to his 76th birthday, marking the end to a very successful and influential life. Oosterhuis won 20 golf tournaments around the globe during his life.
At the Open Championship in Royal Troon in 1982, Oosterhuis lost by a mere one stroke to Tom Watson. He won the 1981 Canadian Open.
CBS Sports released the following statement on his passing,
Peter was an integral part of our golf coverage and an incredible teammate for nearly two decades. Peter brought a unique style and distinct perspective to our broadcasts which made him one of the most respected analysts in the sport. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Ruth Ann and his entire family
CBS SPorts
After his playing career, Oosterhuis began commentating on the Masters tournament in 1997. He would hold that position until 2014, when he was unfortunately forced to step away from broadcasting due to a fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
His Alzheimer’s was early-onset.
The PGA tour released the following statement on his death,
Born in London in 1948 as the country was rebuilding from World War II, Oosterhuis enjoyed a stellar amateur golf career; he became the first schoolboy to represent Great Britain & Ireland at the Walker Cup and was a member of the Eisenhower Trophy team. He turned professional in the late 1960s and won the 1969 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award on the DP World Tour. Oosterhuis dominated the Tour by winning the Harry Vardon Trophy as leading its Order of Merit in four consecutive seasons (1971-74).
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Having moved with his second wife Ruth Ann to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was a member at Quail Hollow Club, he retired from broadcasting following CBS’s coverage of the 2014 PGA Championship and later revealed he was battling with early-onset Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife, sons Rob and Rich, stepsons Byron and Matt and four grandchildren Peyton, Turner, Sutton and Lachlan.
PGA Tour
Rest in peace, Peter Oosterhuis.
