Three-time PGA Tour winner Bart Bryant has tragically died at the age of 59 after being involved in a fatal car accident on Tuesday. Bryant initially turned professional back in 1986, but struggled to compete during the early stages of his career due injury.
The American even considered calling time on his career during the 1990’s due to effects of his injury problems. Bryant’s time finally came in the early 2000’s though, after he collected three PGA Tour titles in the space of 14 months between September 2004 and November 2005.
His maiden win came at the 2004 Valero Texas Open, before doubling his tally at the 2005 Memorial Tournament, which takes place this week, with the anniversary of his win coming exactly 17 years on Sunday. Arguably Bryant’s most impressive win came four months later at the Tour Championship.
As a result the Texan collected the prestigious season-ending title in November that year, seeing off the great Tiger Woods by six shots - the furthest back Woods has ever finished in a tournament when finishing second. The news of his death was confirmed by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
In a statement Monahan said: “The PGA TOUR is saddened by the tragic passing of Bart Bryant and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. The Bryants have been a part of the PGA TOUR family for over four decades and we are grateful for the impact and legacy he made on our organisation and countless communities. Bart will be dearly missed."
Competing on golf’s signature proved a family affair for the Bryant’s with Bart’s older brother Brad a PGA Tour player and winner. Brad picked up his only victory at the 1995 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic by one shot ahead of Hal Sutton and Ted Tryba.
When discussing his brother’s PGA Tour victory previously, Bryant revealed that it was ‘bigger’ for him than when he won any of his prestigious titles. He said: “I think this is bigger for me than when I won. He has been through so much, and he’s persevered. For our family, this is so big."
