FORMER Ryder Cup star Barry Lane has died aged 62 after a short illness.
Lane — a five-time DP World Tour winner — made 693 starts on what was the European Tour, ranking him fourth on the all-time appearance list.
Lane has died aged 62Rex
He was a member of Bernard Gallacher’s Ryder Cup team that was beaten 15-13 by the United States at The Belfry in 1993.
The rookie of the year award on the Legends Tour — formerly the European Seniors Tour — is named after Lane.
And he was in Mauritius in December for the season-ending MCB Tour Championship, where he presented the renamed trophy to Brazil’s Adilson Da Silva.
European Tour group chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barry Lane.
“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.
“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.
Two-time major winner Tony Jacklin wrote on Twitter: “Barry Lane was a prince of a guy. He will be missed. RIP.”
While presenter Georgie Bingham wrote: “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.”