Legendary Amateur Golfer Peter McEvoy Passes Away: A Tribute to His Illustrious Career and Contributions to Golf

A tribute to Peter McEvoy, the celebrated British amateur golfer and Walker Cup hero, who passed away at 72, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of golf.

Remembering Peter McEvoy: A Golfing Icon

Peter McEvoy, the first British amateur golfer to make the cut at the Masters, has passed away at the age of 72. His death marks the end of an era for amateur golf, where McEvoy was a towering figure both on and off the course.

Early Life and Career

Born in London and raised near Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast, McEvoy developed a love for golf early in life. Despite his Scottish upbringing, he represented England throughout his distinguished amateur career. Known for his gentle demeanor and unwavering dedication, McEvoy became a beacon of excellence in the amateur ranks.

Historic Achievements

McEvoy's career was studded with remarkable achievements:

  • Amateur Championship Wins: He claimed victory in the Amateur Championship in both 1977 and 1978.
  • Masters and Open Performances: In 1978, he made history by becoming the first British amateur to make the cut at the Masters, finishing 53rd. That same year, he was the lowest amateur at The Open, tying for 39th place.
  • Walker Cup Glory: McEvoy was instrumental in the 1989 Walker Cup victory at Peachtree Golf Club, where he went unbeaten in the first three sessions, helping secure an 11-5 lead over the U.S. He later captained the GB&I team to a memorable 15-9 win at Nairn in 1999, mentoring future stars like Luke Donald and Paul Casey.

Legacy Beyond the Course

McEvoy's influence extended far beyond his playing days. He served as chairman of the R&A's selection committee and contributed to golf course design. His commitment to nurturing young talent earned him an OBE in 2003 for services to golf.

"We have lost one of amateur golf's most respected figures," said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon. "Peter was an outstanding amateur golfer and enjoyed an illustrious career. He also worked tirelessly to develop the game as an administrator."

A Life Well Lived

Though McEvoy had the talent to turn professional, he chose to remain a stalwart of amateur golf, inspiring generations of players. His legacy lives on through the countless golfers he mentored and the opportunities he created for aspiring amateurs.


The golfing world mourns the loss of a true legend. Our deepest condolences go out to Peter McEvoy's family and friends during this difficult time.

What to Read Next

Li Haotong Aims to Challenge Scheffler in Historic Open Championship Final
Golf

Li Haotong Aims to Challenge Scheffler in Historic Open Championship Final

Chinese golfer Li Haotong prepares to face Scottie Scheffler in the final round of the Open Championship, aiming to make history.

Rory McIlroy's Age-Defying Mastery: Clarke Predicts Dominance at The Open Championship
Golf

Rory McIlroy's Age-Defying Mastery: Clarke Predicts Dominance at The Open Championship

Darren Clarke foresees Rory McIlroy's exceptional performance at The Open Championship, highlighting his growth and achievements in golf.

Chris Gotterup Clinches Scottish Open Victory Over Rory McIlroy in Thrilling Finish
Golf

Chris Gotterup Clinches Scottish Open Victory Over Rory McIlroy in Thrilling Finish

Chris Gotterup triumphs at the Scottish Open, defeating Rory McIlroy in a nail-biting final round to claim his second PGA Tour title.

Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup Dilemma: Balancing Captaincy and Player Ambitions
Golf

Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup Dilemma: Balancing Captaincy and Player Ambitions

Keegan Bradley faces a unique challenge as both US Ryder Cup captain and a top contender for the team, balancing leadership with his own playing ambitions.

Fitzpatrick Leads Rain-Soaked Open with Stellar Performance
Golf

Fitzpatrick Leads Rain-Soaked Open with Stellar Performance

Matt Fitzpatrick shares the clubhouse lead at a rain-affected Open Championship, showcasing skill and resilience at Royal Portrush.

Bob MacIntyre's Gritty Performance at The Open Championship: A Test of Patience and Skill
Golf

Bob MacIntyre's Gritty Performance at The Open Championship: A Test of Patience and Skill

Bob MacIntyre showcases resilience and skill at The Open Championship, navigating a challenging day at Royal Portrush to finish level par.

Chris Gotterup Sets Course Record with Stunning 61 at Scottish Open as McIlroy Surges
Golf

Chris Gotterup Sets Course Record with Stunning 61 at Scottish Open as McIlroy Surges

Chris Gotterup equals the course record with a 61 at the Scottish Open, while Rory McIlroy makes a strong move up the leaderboard.

Brooks Koepka's Unexpected Incident at LIV Golf Dallas: A Detailed Analysis
Golf

Brooks Koepka's Unexpected Incident at LIV Golf Dallas: A Detailed Analysis

Explore the unexpected incident involving Brooks Koepka at the LIV Golf event in Dallas, detailing his performance and the implications for his team.

Rory McIlroy's Legendary Round at Royal Portrush: A Golfing Masterclass
Golf

Rory McIlroy's Legendary Round at Royal Portrush: A Golfing Masterclass

Relive Rory McIlroy's historic 61-shot round at Royal Portrush, a defining moment in golf history.

Tommy Fleetwood Dominates Travelers Championship 2025: A Quest for His First PGA Tour Victory
Golf

Tommy Fleetwood Dominates Travelers Championship 2025: A Quest for His First PGA Tour Victory

Tommy Fleetwood leads the Travelers Championship 2025, aiming for his first PGA Tour win. Discover the thrilling third-round highlights and key player performances.

Bob MacIntyre's Journey to Major Victory: Confidence and Determination on the Golf Course
Golf

Bob MacIntyre's Journey to Major Victory: Confidence and Determination on the Golf Course

Bob MacIntyre reflects on his US Open performance and his confidence in winning a major, as he prepares for The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Heartbreak for Tommy Fleetwood as Keegan Bradley Secures Thrilling Victory at Travelers Championship
Golf

Heartbreak for Tommy Fleetwood as Keegan Bradley Secures Thrilling Victory at Travelers Championship

Tommy Fleetwood's quest for his first PGA Tour title ended in heartbreak as Keegan Bradley clinched the Travelers Championship by a single shot.

Adrien Saddier Triumphs at Italian Open: A Maiden European Tour Victory on His 200th Start
Golf

Adrien Saddier Triumphs at Italian Open: A Maiden European Tour Victory on His 200th Start

Adrien Saddier clinches his first European Tour title at the Italian Open on his 200th start, securing a spot at the Open Championship.

Keegan Bradley's Role in the US Ryder Cup Team: A Game-Changer According to McIlroy
Golf

Keegan Bradley's Role in the US Ryder Cup Team: A Game-Changer According to McIlroy

Rory McIlroy believes Keegan Bradley's inclusion could significantly strengthen the US Ryder Cup team. Discover the dynamics and potential strategies.

Francesco Molinari Joins Europe's Ryder Cup 2024 as Vice-Captain: A Strategic Move for Victory
Golf

Francesco Molinari Joins Europe's Ryder Cup 2024 as Vice-Captain: A Strategic Move for Victory

Francesco Molinari returns as vice-captain for Europe's Ryder Cup 2024, bringing his winning experience and calm demeanor to the team.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.