Golf legend Jay Sigel, who turned professional aged 50 and win eight tournaments, dies aged 81 from cancer

JAY SIGEL has sadly died at the age of 81 from cancer.

The golf legend rose to fame after turning pro when he was 50 years old.

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Jay Sigel has died at the age of 81 of pancreatic cancer[/caption]

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He started his pro gold career at the age of 50[/caption]

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He won eight tournaments during his career[/caption]

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He earned over £6.6m in prize money[/caption]

In 1979, he won the British Amateur, which was played at the Hillside Golf Club in Southport.

He won back-to-back US Amateurs in 1982 and 1983 while also claiming victory at the US Mid-Amateur in 1983,

He also won two out of the next three US Mid-Amateurs.

Sigel excelled on the course after turning pro, as he won eight tournaments.

He joined what is now recognised as the PGA Tour Champions with his most notable win in the Senior Tour Championship in 1996.

During his pro career, he won over £6.6million.

He has been hailed as one of the best amateurs of all time by the USGA’s president-elect, Kevin Hammer.

He said: “Best amateur since Bobby Jones hands down.

“He was a dear friend and somebody that we will remember forever, and take a lot of inspiration from.”

2025 US Walker Cup captain Nathan Smith said: “Incredible player. Incredible friend. Incredible mentor.

“He was special. He was just an icon in amateur golf.”

Sigel died from pancreatic cancer on Saturday and the U.S. Golf Association announced it on Sunday.

Fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the unique great.

One posted: “Very sad news to hear that Jay Sigel, one of America’s finest amateur golfers.”

A second commented: “Pennsylvania golf legend. RIP Jay Sigel.”

A third wrote: “RIP Jay Sigel. A Pennsylvania golf legend.”

A fourth added: “RIP to Jay Sigel, one of the great amateurs in the modern era.”

He featured in 11 Masters and made the cut in four of them.