‘RIP’: Golf World Mourns Saddening Loss of Ryder Cup Legend Maurice Bembridge

When one talks about the Masters Tournament, names of golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer are customary to be brought up. However, rarely did Maurice Bembridge get the recognition that he deserved. Sadly, at the age of 79, Bembridge has passed away. But he will always be remembered for what he achieved in the 1974 Masters.

The European pro opened the final round with three over par at the Augusta National. However, at the end of the game, he was tied for eighth. Bembridge said that it was his big goal to be in the top 24 to get the automatic invitation, and he did after setting a record that was broken only after a decade.

The veteran golfer had the attention of the golf world when he shot the then-lowest round of 64 at the Augusta National and equaled Nicklaus and Lloyd Magnum. Moreover, he shot only 30 strokes on the back nine to achieve the record. Although Bembridge never won the green jacket, his Sunday round in Augusta will always be remembered.

While the 1974 Masters Tournament was a highlight of Bembridge’s career, he had many other accolades under his cap. He started playing professional golf at the age of 15, and nine years later he made his Ryder Cup debut. The English pro played for the European Team for four editions (1969, 1971, 73, and 75) and won six times on the European Tour.

Later in his life, Bembridge was acquitted as an Honorary PGA Member in 1994 and made it a point to play in the PGA Super 60s Championship even after settling in Switzerland. Losing the rare gem of the golf world, the fans were saddened as they shared their condolences.

The golf world bids goodbye to Maurice Bembridge

From golf fans to the heads of the game, the death has left many with a sour taste. As a veteran who played on the PGA, Bembridge was closer to the association and got the appreciation they always had for him.

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The Chief Executive of PGA, Robert Maxfield, said, “It was always good to see him. Furthermore, that he took the trouble to make the long journey to play in it [the Super 60s Championship], was testament to his love for the game and ongoing support for the Association. Despite all the success he achieved, Maurice never forgot his PGA roots. He will be greatly missed.”

One fan shared how Bembridge’s game and his personality had inspired them. After sending their prayers to his family, they complimented Bembidge saying he was, “A true gentleman of the game.” And they had tried to copy his style of smoking pie in a bid to play golf just like Bembridge, which ultimately, “Did’nt [sic] work bye the way!” said the fan.

This user recalled Bembridge’s game and said, he was “Arguably the shortest hitting pro,” they ever witnessed. However, despite it, he found a way to get the round. Saying, “Massive respect for that. A proper battler. RIP.” the fan bid his last compliments to the legend.

UK Top 50 golf coach, Anders Mankert, tweeted that he had coached Bembridge before he played in the European Senior Championship and that was more of a lesson for him than the pro. Mankert was “Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Maurice Bembridge.”

One user regretted that Bembridge didn’t get the due recognition; however, he was impressed by how he defeated the biggies like Nicklaus and Arnie in the Ryder Cup and had a record at the Augusta National. They said that after reading about Bembridge, it felt like, “WOW!!! He was some player.”

One admirer remembered when they worked with Bembridge in Florida in mid 90s. They shared their sadness and remembered him as someone who was “a fantastic golfer and human being.”

What can you say about a player who shot such a remarkable record at Augusta? This fan was nothing but impressed by Bembridge’s record, as they wished him peace and called him a “fine player” of his time.

The death of Maurice Bembridge has disheartened many in the golf world but he will always be remembered as the man who was a great golfer. RIP.

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