'Incredible teammate': Ryder Cup stalwart dies

Peter Oosterhuis, a two-time winner of the European Tour money title who later brought his distinguished British voice to CBS golf telecasts as an analyst, died. He was 75.

The PGA Tour announced his death without listing a cause, though Oosterhuis had retired from broadcasting in 2014 with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Oosterhuis won seven times on the European Tour, twice at the French Open, and his lone PGA Tour victory was the Canadian Open in 1981 when he beat Jack Nicklaus, Andy North and Bruce Lietzke by one shot.

Often overlooked was his stellar play in the Ryder Cup. Oosterhuis played on six consecutive teams and compiled 14-11-3 record, remarkable considering this was the 1970s during an era of US dominance. Oosterhuis played on six losing teams and still had a winning record.

British golfer Peter Oosterhuis.

He went 6-2-1 in singles, twice beating Arnold Palmer and once Johnny Miller.

Oosterhuis twice won the Order of Merit when the European Tour was formed in 1972. He was twice a runner-up in the British Open, and he had the 54-hole lead in the 1973 Masters until closing with a 74 to tie for third behind Tommy Aaron.

That inspired him to spend more time on the PGA Tour — rare in those days for European players to play primarily in America — and his best year was in 1981 when he finished 28th on the money list.

The Englishman worked for Sky Sports, and then worked for Golf Channel covering the European tour before spending 15 years with CBS.

“Peter was an integral part of our golf coverage and an incredible teammate for nearly two decades,” CBS Sports said in a statement. “

“Peter brought a unique style and distinct perspective to our broadcasts which made him one of the most respected analysts in the sport. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Ruth Ann and his entire family.”