Friday 8 December 2017 12:52, UK
Former Ryder Cup star Tommy Horton, one of the most prolific winners on the European Senior Tour, has passed away at the age of 76.
Horton was taken ill as he attended an Annual General Meeting at the Royal Jersey Golf Club on Thursday evening and was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
Club captain Robbie Messervy announced Horton's passing in an email to members which read: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that our former Head Professional and Honorary Life Member, Tommy Horton passed away last night.
"Tommy arrived at the club to attend the Annual General Meeting and shortly after became unwell and an ambulance was called. He died later in hospital."
Horton won 42 professional titles in his career and was perhaps best known for his success on the Senior circuit, his 23 wins being second on the all-time list behind long-time rival Carl Mason.
He finished top of the Senior Tour Order of Merit five times in seven seasons from 1993 and was the all-time leading money earner in the over-50s ranks until he was surpassed by Mason in 2007.
Horton won four European Tour titles between 1972 and 1978 and enjoyed an excellent record in The Open, recording four top-10 finishes with his best effort being a tie for fifth at Royal Birkdale in 1976.
The Jersey native also made two appearances for Great Britain and Ireland in the 1975 and 1977 Ryder Cup contests, and he impressed on the final day of his debut as he held Hale Irwin to a half before beating reigning US Open champion Lou Graham in the afternoon singles session.
Horton was awarded an MBE for services to golf in 2000, and Horton was made an honorary life member of the European Tour in 2012.
