Former Ryder Cup golfer Barry Lane has died aged 62 following a short illness.
The English star was a five-time winner on the European Tour and an eight-time Legends Tour winner. He made 693 starts on the DP World Tour, putting him fourth on the Tour’s all-time appearance list, and he was also a member of the 1993 Ryder Cup team that lost to the United States at The Belfry.
One of the most popular figures around, Lane was in Mauritius in December for the 2022 Legends Tour’s MCB Tour Championship. There he presented the renamed Barry Lane Rookie of the Year trophy to Brazil’s Adilson Da Silva.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barry Lane,” said European Tour group chief executive Keith Pelley.
“To have seen such a level of success across both the European Tour and the now Legends Tour shows his dedication to the game of golf and he was a much-loved figure on both tours.
"The renaming of the Legends Tour's Rookie of the Year trophy in his honour is a fitting tribute, and I'm delighted he had the opportunity to present it in December."
Ryan Howsam, chairman of the Legends Tour, added: "This is a very sad day for all at Legends Tour.
"I've had the pleasure of spending time with Barry and [his wife] Camilla over the last few years as Barry played Legends Tour events with Camilla often by his side as caddie, winning eight Legends Tour titles, most recently the Senior Italian Open and the MCB Tour Championship in Madagascar, both in 2019."
More tributes flooded in for the Englishman on social media following the sad news of his passing. Broadcaster Georgie Bingham wrote on Twitter: “Barry Lane was one of the nicest men I’ve met in my entire career. Made me feel so welcome when I joined the @euLegendsTour.
“Absolutely gutted to hear he’s gone so soon. Huge love Camilla, RIP.”
Fellow golfer Tony Jacklin also paid tribute to Lane on Twitter, writing: “Barry Lane was a prince of a guy. He will be missed. RIP.”
Those tributes extended through English golf with Simon Khan, another golfer, writing: “So sad. Was lovely seeing him and Camilla in Mauritius. What a player and an even better guy. RIP Baz x.”
