The golfing world has been paying tribute to Barry Lane after the hugely-popular former Ryder Cup player passed away at the age of 62 following a short illness.
The Middlesex-born professional won five times on the European Tour between 1988 and 2004 and made 683 tour appearances with his peak years coming in the mid-90s. That culminated with an appearance at the 1993 Ryder Cup.
After turning 50 Lane became a mainstay on the Seniors Tour, winning eight times. His final public appearance came last month in Mauritius at the season-ending MCB Tour Championship, where a Rookie of the Year trophy, renamed in his honour, was presented for the first time.
Tried to hit some balls yesterday. Was exhausted after 10. pic.twitter.com/WRr6KRi289
— Barry Lane (@BazLane) November 27, 2022
A raft of European golf stars were quick to pay tribute with the likes of Tony Jacklin, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam taking to social media to honour the passing of a golfer who was a tour member for nearly 30 years.
European Tour chief executive officer Keith Pelley said: “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.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. 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.”
Lane turned pro aged just 16 but would have to wait ten years to establish himself on the Tour. His first win came in 1988 at the Scottish Open and then six years later he claimed the German Masters.
The following year he won in Switzerland (European Masters), pipping Seve Ballesteros to the title in an event which became famous after the legendary Spaniard executed what is widely regarded as the greatest shot ever seen in Europe. At the last he played a miracle recovery shot over and through some trees on his way to a birdie.
The following year Lane made it into the European team that lost 15-13 to Tom Watson’s USA side at The Belfry.
Two of his team-mates were quick to pay tribute this week via Twitter.
Montgomerie said: “Very very sad news at the passing of Barry Lane, a colleague and a good friend. My thoughts are with Camilla and his family.”
Woosnam added: “Very Very sad news today of the passing of Barry Lane.”
In 1994 he won in Spain and then would have to wait ten years for win No 5, claiming the British Masters to cap a resurgent period of his career.
Tony Jacklin said via Twitter: “Barry Lane was a Prince of a guy. He will be missed. R.I.P.”
Lane is survived by his wife Camilla and three children from his first marriage – Elliot, Emma and Benjamin.
