Doug Sanders Passes Away Aged 86
The 'Peacock of the Fairways' was one of the big personalities in the game of golf.
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The 'Peacock of the Fairways' was one of the big personalities in the game of golf.
Doug Sanders Passes Away Aged 86
Doug Sanders, the American known as the 'Peacock of the Fairways' because of his bright and colourful golf attire, has passed away at the age of 86.
Along with the attire, Sanders is perhaps best remembered for his small missed putt at the 1970 Open Championship (opens in new tab) which knocked him down into a playoff with Jack Nicklaus.
Sadly for Sanders, he would lose the 18-hole playoff by one-stroke the next day.
It was a moment that has become iconic in St Andrews and Open Championship history with Sanders himself half jokingly saying he often went five minute not thinking about the putt.
However, in the process he also endeared himself to fans around the world.
"I never got so many letters and wires than after the Open," he later recalled. "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'."
The moment should not be the sole memory from an immensely successful career though.
It should not be forgotten that Sanders won 20 times on the PGA Tour, had 13 top-10's in Majors (including four runners-up finishes) and in fact only missed 7 Major cuts in his entire career too.
He was also part of the famous 1967 Ryder Cup team that absolutely obliterated Great Britain by 23.5 points to 8.5. Sanders himself won 2 points from five matches.
After retiring from competitive golf Sanders kept active and for nearly 20 years he sponsored the Doug Sanders International Junior Golf Championship which took place in Houston, Texas.
He died of natural causes in his adopted hometown of Houston at the age of 86.
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A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last five years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He also loves to test golf apparel especially if it a piece that can be used just about anywhere!
As a result he has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips.
He is a graduate of Swansea University where he studied History and American Studies, and he has been a part of the Golf Monthly team since December 2017. He also previously worked for World Soccer and Rugby World magazines.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. He also oversees all Tour player content as well.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
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