One day shy of turning 76, Peter Oosterhuis, 75, departed from this world on Thursday. Also known as Oosty, he was known for his powerful voice in golf broadcasting for many years. After a stellar career, the English player-turned-commentator resigned in 2014 due to an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Even though Oosterhuis’s career as a broadcaster was exceptional, his most memorable on-course moment will be the 1977 Ryder Cup. Everyone was shocked to learn of his demise, even his former Ryder Cup teammates. His 1977 teammate, Sir Nick Faldo, used X to share his sorrow about his friend’s passing.

In the post, Nick Faldo remembers his friend saying, “Sad to hear the news of my partner Peter passing today—our most memorable moment beating Jack and Ray day two of the 1977 Ryder Cup! He was a genuine gentleman.” The duo’s partnership carved a permanent niche in Ryder Cup lore. Oosterhuis’ son Rob also reminisced about that iconic triumph, tweeting, “Dad most DEFINITELY enjoyed his time with you that year and beating two of the nastiest (respectfully) competitors in @jacknicklaus and Raymond Floyd certainly added to the memory.” 

One of golf’s greatest duos, Jack Nicklaus and Raymond Floyd, faced off against Oosterhuis and his English colleague Nick Faldo in a foursomes match at the 1977 Ryder Cup at Royal Lytham & St Annes. On Day 2, the American juggernauts were crushed 2–1 by the unexpected European underdogs.

The departed golfer won a lone event on the PGA Tour and won seven events on the European Tour. This included winning the National Panasonic Swiss Open in 1975 and the Zambian Open in 1973 on the European Tour. His skill on the course led to a renowned position in broadcasting with Sky Sports, the BBC, CBS, and the Golf Channel. When word spread of Peter Oosterhuis’s passing, the golf world expressed its condolences.

Fans mourn the loss

One fan commented, “That Ryder Cup pairing, RIP Peter.” The pairing of Sir Nick Faldo and Peter Oosterhuis is so iconic, that it will be remembered as one of the best in the Ryder Cup. Oosterhuis was a member of six consecutive Great Britain & Ireland or European Ryder Cup teams. Sadly, all of those times, the team lost to the US. Twice, he led his team in points, and he remains tied for the all-time lead in most singles victories with six.

Another fan said, “Very sad! My thoughts and prayers to his son Rob and their family!” At this time, it is the family, like his son Rob his wife Ruth Ann, who are affected the most by the loss. This fan prays for their well-being in these difficult times.

A fan remarked, “A legend of the game. And seemed like a great man who spoke so well on commentary duties. Sad day.” This fan took to remind everyone of the man Peter Oosterhuis was, as a player and as a commentator. He was well known for his work with CBS during the Masters. “Peter was an integral part of our golf coverage and an incredible teammate for nearly two decades,” revealed CBS Sports in a statement. 

One of his co-workers commented, “Such sad news. Worked with Peter during his years with Sky Sports golf and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Always thought of him as a gentle giant. RIP Peter.” This news from the people who worked with him in his later days shows how influential the man has been in his life. Sky Sports (United Kingdom) was a start to his broadcasting career, a job that gave him a more reach than he had even experienced as a professional golfer.

A long-time fan said, “Sorry to hear it. I witnessed his whole career as a golf fan. Sad, cruel fate for a guy we all liked to see play and hear as an announcer. RIP.” This is another example of the many people whose lives he touched, both as a player and as a commentator. Oosterhuis participated in 343 tour events and made 234 cuts during his 1968–2002 PGA Tour career. Competing against the best players in golf, he recorded ten top-5 finishes, including three runner-up results, and took home over $736,000 in total prize money from the American Tour.

Another fan said, “Was really hoping he could hang on to celebrate one more birthday. An incredible player and even better broadcaster, Peter will be sorely missed.” Passing away just a day before his 76th birthday, fans hoped that he would have gotten a chance to celebrate one last time.

Peter Oosterhuis’s skill as a broadcaster, his modest demeanor, and his outstanding golf game all made a lasting impression. Even though he is no longer with us, the memory of his heroics during the 1977 Ryder Cup will live on in the history of the sport he loved.