Brian Huggett, a prominent figure in Welsh and European golf, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his tenacity and competitive spirit, Huggett made significant contributions to the sport throughout his career.
Born on November 18, 1936, in Porthcawl, Wales, Huggett grew up immersed in the world of golf. His father, George, was an assistant club professional at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, which was founded in 1891. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for Huggett's future success.
Huggett turned professional in 1951, embarking on a career that would span over five decades. He achieved his first tournament victory at the Dutch Open in 1962, one of the oldest national golf championships in continental Europe. Throughout his career, Huggett amassed 16 tournament wins, with his final victory coming at the Jersey Open in 1978.
The Ryder Cup, first played in 1927, became a defining aspect of Huggett's career. He represented Great Britain and Ireland six times as a player between 1963 and 1973, earning a reputation for his fierce competitiveness. In 1969, Huggett played a crucial role in securing a tie at Royal Birkdale, which has hosted The Open Championship ten times. This match is remembered for Jack Nicklaus's famous concession to Tony Jacklin on the final hole, considered one of the greatest sporting gestures in golf history.
"I can tell you, there were Americans in that team who weren't too happy about that."
Huggett's commitment to the Ryder Cup was unwavering. In 1973, he chose to play in the match at Royal Troon rather than attend the birth of his daughter. His dedication paid off when he and his partner defeated Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, nicknamed "The King" in golf, in a memorable fourball match.
In 1977, Huggett served as the non-playing captain for the Ryder Cup team. Although the match resulted in a loss, it marked a turning point for the competition. Huggett played a crucial role in discussions that led to the inclusion of continental European players in the Ryder Cup from 1979 onwards, helping to secure the future of the tournament.
Huggett's individual achievements were also noteworthy. In 1968, he won the Harry Vardon Trophy for topping the European Tour's Order of Merit, which was later replaced by the Race to Dubai in 2009. He was also a runner-up in The Open Championship in 1965, finishing just two shots behind the winner.
After his regular tour career, Huggett found success on the European Seniors Tour, which was launched in 1992 and later rebranded as the Legends Tour in 2020. He won 10 tournaments between 1992 and 2000, including the prestigious Senior Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 1998. Royal Portrush holds the distinction of being the only club outside Great Britain to host The Open Championship.
Huggett's contributions to golf were recognized when he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1978 for his outstanding achievements in the sport. He continued to compete until his retirement in 2007 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of determination and sportsmanship.
Throughout his career, Huggett witnessed significant changes in professional golf, including the founding of the European Tour in 1972 and its recent rebranding as the DP World Tour in 2021. His experiences spanned from the era of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus to the modern age of professional golf.
Brian Huggett's passing marks the end of an era in Welsh and European golf. His impact on the Ryder Cup and his contributions to the growth of the sport in Europe will be remembered for years to come.