Brian Huggett, a legendary Welsh golfer who made a significant impact on the sport, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his outstanding achievements during the 1960s and 70s, Huggett was a prominent figure in European golf. His legacy includes 16 tournament victories and crucial contributions to the Ryder Cup, where he proudly represented Great Britain and Ireland six times between 1963 and 1975 and served as a non-playing captain in 1977.
Reflecting on his Ryder Cup experiences, one of the defining moments stands out: the 1969 tournament at Royal Birkdale. It was the final day, and Huggett found himself in a nail-biting match against American golfer Billy Casper. As the tension heightened, he faced a critical five-foot putt on the 18th green to halve the match. Just before he putted, a roaring cheer erupted from a nearby hole, which he initially thought meant Tony Jacklin had just won his match against Jack Nicklaus, painting a picture of an imminent victory for the home team. The pressure was immense, and the stakes were high.
Summoning remarkable focus, the small but resolute Welshman sunk the putt, allowing tears of joy to flow. However, he later learned that the cheers had been premature; Jacklin had only managed to square his match. In the midst of his emotional turmoil, Huggett had to compose himself and watch the thrilling conclusion of the day’s events. He witnessed Nicklaus demonstrate incredible sportsmanship by conceding a putt to Jacklin, resulting in an extraordinary tie after a tightly contested competition. Although that moment was clouded with confusion, it highlighted Huggett’s exceptional ability to perform under pressure, earning him the title of one of the “gutsiest putts ever made in the long history of the Ryder Cup,” according to The Scotsman.
Huggett was born in Porthcawl, South Wales, into a family deeply rooted in golf. His father, George, worked as the professional and bar steward at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, which provided young Brian with ample opportunities to immerse himself in the sport. “I grew up living in the clubhouse, halfway up a hill, so there was nothing else to do but play golf,” he once reminisced, a sentiment that might explain why his brother, Geoff, also pursued a professional golfing career.
At just 15 years old, Brian began assisting his father at the Redhill and Reigate Club in Surrey. His first major win came in 1962 at the Dutch Open, where he delivered a stunning third-round score of 65, featuring nine birdies. By this time, he had already hinted at stardom by tying for third place in the 1962 Open Championship.
Making his Ryder Cup debut in 1963 in Atlanta, Huggett secured an impressive 2.5 points out of five matches played, proving to be a strong competitor alongside George Will against the formidable duo of Arnold Palmer and Johnny Pott. Although he missed the 1965 Cup, Huggett continued to make his mark in the following five tournaments, showcasing his talents despite the USA’s dominance during those years.
As captain in 1977 during the competition at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Huggett faced efforts to enhance the cup’s relevance. Following a tough defeat, he advocated for transforming the British and Irish team into a European one, which subsequently elevated the competition’s profile and contributed to its growing popularity.
Though he never clinched a major tournament title, Huggett enjoyed a remarkable career, culminating in his most successful year of 1968, when he topped the pre-European Tour Order of Merit. He represented Wales nine times in the World Cup of Golf and will always be remembered as one of the greatest Welsh golfers, celebrated alongside legends such as Dai Rees and Ian Woosnam.
After transitioning to the European Seniors Tour in 1992, Huggett continued to find success, including a victory at the Senior British Open in 1998. In his retirement, he ventured into course design and hosted corporate golf events, solidifying his legacy within the sport.
In the early 2000s, Huggett’s connection to the Ryder Cup was reignited when he played a crucial role in bringing the event to Wales for the first time. He served as an ambassador for the 2010 tournament held at Celtic Manor.
Honored with an MBE in 1978 and inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, Huggett’s contributions to golf will always be cherished. He is survived by his wife, Winnie, whom he married in 1961, and their daughters, Yvonne and Sandra. Brian George Charles Huggett, born on November 18, 1936, will be remembered as a true legend of the game, who passed away on September 22, 2024.
