Jack Nicklaus has led the tributes to Brian Barnes and insisted that”a lot” was made of the Scot beating him twice in 1 day at the 1975 Ryder Cup.
Barnes, who passed away following a struggle with cancer on Tuesday at the age of 74, remains the only player to successfully defend the Open title, winning back in Royal Portrush in 1995 and 1996 and obtained 23 tournaments as a skilled.
But the Scot is famous for his two Ryder Cup singles strikes Nicklaus in Laurel Valley in 1975, after a 4 up &2 victory in the afternoon with a 2&1 victory in the day within the Golden Bear, who was reigning Masters and PGA winner at the time.
But, Nicklaus explained Barnes as a”tough competitor” and hinted that the 2 wins amid a significant defeat for Europe weren’t any surprise, because he paid a glowing tribute on social media.
The 18-time significant winner wrote:”Barbara and that I learned by Brian Barnes’ daughter, Didi, that her father & our buddy Brian’d lost his battle with cancer passed. Her voice, beautiful & reassuring, said if she had been to reduce her father, it had been as close to a”model death” as any loving family member could want.
“‘Barnesy’ was an absolute personality. Entertainer as golfer. Wasn’t unusual to watch him wear dark socks with shorts, tee with pipe in his mouth & indicate his ball!
“To be honest, too much was created from Barnesy beating me twice on Sunday at the 1975 Ryder Cup. Why? Because Brian Barnes was a competitor! Played in six Ryder Cups, enjoyed success on both sides of this pond-before & after he turned 50 and won 20 days!
“Barnesy was long & straight off the tee, and, needless to say, quick of humor. Yes, we’ll overlook Barnesy! Barbara and I wish to thank Didi and family for allowing us know of the wonderful loss – to the match and also to uspersonally – as we send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to them all.”
Gary Player included:”My sincere condolences to the family and friends of irrepressible Scotsman Brian Barnes. He had a terrific professional career such as back to back Aged Open Championships. You will be overlooked. RIP.”
Lee Westwood was one of several professionals to place tributes, including:”Back in 1994, my 1st year on tour that I was sat in a hotel bar when I got asked to play in the Perrier Four-ball after that year. It had been Brian Barnes.
“I jumped at the chance. We did not do quite nicely (missed the cut) but it had been one of the most fun weeks I have ever had out on tour. A golfer and story teller and companion. RIP Brian.”
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