Former Ryder Cup captain and DP World Tour player Brain Huggett has died aged 87.

His daughter Sandra shared the heartbreaking news on the social media platform X.

In the post she wrote: ‘My darling Dad passed away at 1am this morning. 

‘A part of my heart went with him. It was such a blessing to be with him and hold his hand for those last few hours. Love you Dad, from your No 1 fan’ she added.

Huggett was born in Porthcawl, Wales, in 1936 and turned professional in 1951, winning 16 titles in Europe, including including twice on the European tour.

Huggett was born in Porthcawl, Wales, in 1936 and turned professional in 1951, winning 16 titles in Europe, including including twice on the European tour

Huggett represented Great Britain and Ireland six times and served as a non-playing captain in 1977, which was the last edition before continental Europe players were allowed to feature. 

During his six appearances in the Ryder Cup between 1963 and 1975 Huggett won 12 points. 

He missed the cut in his sole appearance in the Masters in 1969 but was third in the 1962 Open at Troon and second to Australia’s Peter Thomson at Royal Birkdale in 1965.

An inaugural member of the European Seniors Tour, Huggett won 10 times on the circuit and was later an ambassador the 2010 Ryder Cup, which saw the contest played in Wales for the first time.

Huggett was made an MBE in 1978 and was inducted to the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Huggett was made an MBE in 1978 and was inducted to the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2006

Since his retirement in the late 70’s he continued to be a strong presence in the golfing world and in 2010 he served an ambassadorial role for the Ryder Cup when it was held in his home nation Wales. 

His contribution to the sport throughout the duration of his career saw him awarded honorary life membership of the DP World Tour in 2012.

Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald led the tributes to Huggett.

‘It is desperately sad news and my thoughts are obviously with his wife Winnie, his daughters Sandra and Yvonne and his many friends,’ Donald said.

Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald led the tributes to Huggett

‘The Ryder Cup is all about history and tradition and no-one summed that up better than Brian Huggett. 

‘He was also a formidable competitor as his record showed and a truly inspirational figure both inside and outside the ropes.

‘I got an understanding of that first hand when I was vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn in Paris in 2018 and Brian was an integral part of a motivational video we played for the team on the eve of the contest.

‘Even though he was softly spoken, you could see the steely determination in his eyes when he stared down the camera lens – I will never forget that.’

During his six appearances in the Ryder Cup between 1963 and 1975 Huggett won 12 points.

DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings said to Sky Sports: ‘It’s hard to underestimate how important Brian was for us, to the Tour and to the Ryder Cup.

‘He was an absolute gentlemen and a lovely man to deal with. He had an extraordinary career in his own right but obviously played six times in the Ryder Cup for Great Britain and Ireland and was also captain. 

‘We honour our great heroes and what he did for the Ryder Cup. We will remember some of the messages he left and delivered by film for players in the team room in recent years with his wonderful voice.

‘We all miss him terribly and it’s just an opportunity for all of us to pay credit to one of our true legends.’ 

Former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam paid tribute to Huggett on social media sharing: ‘Sad to hear the passing on a Welsh legend Brian Huggett.’