Peter Oosterhuis was a renowned golfer who won seven times on the DP World Tour and had a successful career on the GB&I and European Ryder Cup teams. He was known for his record-tying six singles victories and was a respected figure in the golfing world. However, he is likely most remembered by a generation of fans for his work as a broadcaster. Oosterhuis passed away on Thursday, just one day before his 76th birthday.
Born in London in 1948, Oosterhuis had a successful professional career that began in 1969 when he won the European Tour’s Rookie of the Year award. He continued to excel, winning the Harry Vardon Trophy as the leading money winner on the circuit for four consecutive seasons before moving on to the PGA Tour in 1975. He claimed his only PGA Tour victory in 1981 at the Canadian Open, defeating golf legends like Jack Nicklaus in a memorable showdown.
Although Oosterhuis had a successful playing career with numerous top finishes and runner-up placements, it was his transition to broadcasting that truly defined his legacy. He began working as a commentator for Sky Sports and the BBC before joining the Golf Channel in 1995. His work as an analyst for CBS Sports, particularly during the Masters telecast, made him an iconic figure in golf broadcasting.
Oosterhuis retired from broadcasting in 2014 due to an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He spent his final years in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was a member at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, sons Rob and Rich, stepsons Byron and Matt, and four grandchildren – Peyton, Turner, Sutton, and Lachlan. Peter Oosterhuis’s legacy as both a golfer and broadcaster continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.