“He was a dear friend and somebody that we will remember forever” said the USGA’s president-elect and chair of the Championship Committee, Kevin Hammer. Amateur legend and USGA Champion Jay Sigel was a terrific player on the PGA Tour Champions. He was also close friends with Hammer. Sigel won eight titles in the Seniors Tour, beating some of the biggest legends in golf. Away from the professional circuit, he was also a beloved and respected individual in the community. Many legends shared some great memories about the 81-year-old as they reacted to the shocking report.

However, the latest report reveals that Sigel passed away recently. USGA shared the upsetting news with a tweet just a few minutes ago. It read, “All of us at the USGA are deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Sigel, a true legend of amateur golf and a cherished member of the USGA family.” Sigel was a legend in the golf community and made major contributions through his charitable initiatives. The post shared by the USGA also featured a picture of the late legend holding one of his many titles as an amateur golfer.

Jay Sigel’s passing came as a shock to many fans. Let’s see how they reacted to the news.

Shocking news about Jay Sigel leaves the netizens disheartened

Jay Sigel’s impact on the world of golf was recognized by many. One of the fans also shared how the legend had changed lives for many years. They tweeted, “Very sad news to hear the passing of my friend Jay Sigel – he did so much good for the game of golf and clearly was one of the best amateur players of all time. For 32 years he ran the “Jay Sigel Invitational” for Charity each September. It wont be the same without him. RIP Jay.” In their eulogy, the fan also acknowledged Sigel’s contribution to the world of golf. All the funds from the Jay Sigel Invitational were donated to Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer research and patient care, according to the official website.

Someone also shared their love for Sigel by sharing details about his biggest achievements in golf. Upset by the surprising report, they said, “Sad news of the death of another amateur golf legend with the passing of the great Jay Sigel who inter alia won our Amateur at Hillside in 1979 and pretty much everything in the USA and had an amazing Walker Cup career as player and captain.” From 1977 to 1993, Sigel participated in 9 Walker Cups, 7 as a player and 2 as a playing captain. During his time, Team U.S. only lost the title once in 1989. Interestingly, Phil Mickelson was also a part of the team that lost the title.

The late legend was definitely one of the most celebrated amateur golfers in the world. As someone pointed out, “One of America’s greatest Amateurs has left us. Jay Sigel passed away last night. A true champion in so many ways. RIP my friend,” confirming that Sigel’s status as one of the best amateur golfers was always recognized. He had won 19 titles from 1961 to 1991 as an individual amateur player.

Others were proud to be from the same state as the amateur great. “Very sad to hear of the passing of Jay Sigel! An amateur golf legend and Pennsylvanian! RIP Mr. Sigel,” they said, reflecting on the fact that Sigel was from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

His achievements as an amateur golfer certainly need to be recognized by the leading bodies in golf. One of the fans also supports the same, as they tweeted, “Deserves to be in the WGHOF.” According to them, Jay Sigel deserves to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions and efforts in the sport.

Do you have any fond memories of Jay Sigel on or off the course? Share them with us in the comments section.