Jay Sigel, one of golf's most accomplished amateur players, passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 81. His remarkable career showcased exceptional achievements in amateur golf, setting numerous records that still stand today.

As a distinguished amateur golfer, Sigel's accomplishments include:

• 2 U.S. Amateur Championships
• 3 U.S. Mid-Amateur titles
• 9 U.S. Walker Cup team appearances (a record at the time)
• 18 Walker Cup victories (most in history)
• 33 Walker Cup matches played (record holder)
• 11 Pennsylvania Amateur victories


Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1943, Sigel attended Wake Forest on the Arnold Palmer Scholarship after briefly studying at the University of Houston. Although he initially planned to turn professional, a college accident requiring 70 stitches in his left hand led him to pursue amateur golf while working in insurance.

His amateur career flourished, winning his first U.S. Amateur in 1982 at age 38, followed by another title in 1983 alongside a Mid-Amateur championship. He competed in the Masters 11 times, earning low-amateur honors on three occasions.

At 50, Sigel transitioned to professional golf on the PGA Tour Champions, where he claimed eight victories between 1994 and 2003 and earned Rookie of the Year honors. His contributions to golf were recognized with the prestigious Bob Jones Award in 1984, the USGA's highest honor.

USGA President-elect Kevin Hammer praised Sigel as "the best amateur since Bobby Jones" and emphasized his lasting impact on the sport, noting that "his legacy extends far beyond his playing credentials, which are extraordinary."

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