Top golfer Brian Huggett is a Euro star (From Hereford Times)

Top golfer Brian Huggett is a Euro star

2:00pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Golf

GOLF legend Brian Huggett has been recognised by the European Tour.

The 75-year-old has carded honorary life membership of the organisation for his outstanding contribution to the Tour and the Ryder Cup.

Former Ryder Cup captain Brian, from Ross -on-Wye, had an outstanding career spanning more than half-acentury.

He was equal second in the 1965 Open Championship, where he finished just two shots behind Peter Thompson of Australia, and third behind winner Arnold Palmer in 1962.

“This is a big honour for me and, at 75, I thought I had missed out,” he said.

“It’s very special as it has come from the players and the board.”

In 1998, the veteran won the Senior Open Championship which he described as ‘a thrill and one of the highlights’ of his career.

“I’ve had a good innings not only on the main Tour but the Senior Tour, too.

I’ve had so many highlights, especially in the Ryder Cup.”

Huggett, who turned professional in 1951, will probably be best remembered for his six Ryder Cup appearances where he picked up 12 points.

He was also the last man to captain the Great Britain and Ireland side before the team became Europe.

“The Ryder Cup is what it is today because a few of us performed well.

“Being captain in 1977 was a great honour, and more so because I was the last to captain GB and Ireland.

“I went on to do the negotiations for the team incorporating players from continental Europe and then being involved in bringing the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010, and that was fantastic.”

European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady said: “Brian undoubtedly played a crucial role in the formation of the European Tour and also the development of the Ryder Cup into the unique contest it is today.

“He was a terrific competitor on the course and this is a deserved reward for an outstanding career.”