‘The Peacock of the Fairways’ Doug Sanders dies aged 86
Doug Sanders, a four-time runner-up in major events, has died from natural causes aged 86, the PGA Tour has announced.
Sanders, known for his colourful wardrobe on the circuit, won on 20 occasions between 1956 and 1972 but missed out on major glory, with his near miss at The Open 50 years ago the closest he came.
He was atop the leaderboard coming into the final hole at St Andrews but missed a putt from three feet for victory, and in the resulting 18-hole play-off fellow American Jack Nicklaus prevailed on the final green.
Doug Sanders, 20-time @PGATOUR winner and one of golf’s most colorful characters, passed away today. He was 86. https://t.co/eKllMKgWtE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 12, 2020
The PGA Tour said on its website: “Doug Sanders, a 20-time PGA TOUR winner perhaps known best for being a stylish and flamboyant dresser earning him the nickname, ‘the Peacock of the Fairways,’ died April 12, in Houston, from natural causes at age 86.”
Sanders also finished tied for second at the 1959 US PGA Championship, the 1961 US Open and at The Open in 1966.
But it was his setback in 1970 which lingered as he later told the Sporting News: “I never got so many letters and wires than after the British Open.
“They came from people who said they felt so bad to see me miss winning. Many of them weren’t even signed, just ending with ‘A fan.'”
Latest
-
European TourLee Westwood: From winning the Race to Dubai to sitting outside the top 100 in the rankings
The Englishman needs a good end to the regular season if he is to make the DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at Jumeirah in Dubai.
-
PGA TourJapanese golfing hero Hideki Matsuyama’s top five PGA Tour victories
Following his victory on home soil in the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP we take a look at the 29-year-old’s finest PGA Tour moments.
-
European TourMallorca champion Jeff Winther nearly missed final round due to bathroom drama
Winther’s six-year-old daughter had to come to the rescue.
-
European TourJeff Winther claims maiden European Tour title with Mallorca victory
The 33-year-old Dane finished one shot clear of Sebastian Soderberg, Pep Angles and Jorge Campillo.
-
PGA TourHideki Matsuyama triumphs on home soil to take ZOZO Championship title
Matsuyama finished five shots clear of runner-up Brendan Steele.
-
PGA TourHideki Matsuyama one shot in front heading into final round of ZOZO Championship
The 29-year-old Japanese held a three-shot advantage at one stage down the back nine.
-
PGA TourMatt Wallace remains in contention at ZOZO Championship after strong finish
Wallace was two over par for his first 15 holes at Narashino Country Club but birdied the 16th, 17th and 18th to add a 69 to his opening 65.
-
PGA TourMatt Wallace two shots off the lead after first round of the ZOZO Championship
Home favourite Hiroshi Iwata led the way on seven under.
-
PGA TourCollin Morikawa looking forward to having fans back in Japan
The American is racking up the miles as he contends at the start of the PGA Tour season and the end of the European Tour campaign.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy’s 20 PGA Tour wins: From the breakthrough in 2010 to THE CJ CUP last week
The Northern Irishman was supreme at the weekend, holding off the challenge of Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa in Las Vegas.