Jaisigel, widely considered one of the American amateur golfers, has died of pancreatic cancer, announced Sunday by the American Golf Association.
Shigeru passed away on Saturday at the age of 81.
The amateur golfer has two US amateur titles and three US middle school victories on his name, and also participated in nine Walker Cup matches and was named captain twice.
Bryn Maua, Pennsylvania, captured amateurs from 10 states, with four states opening, winning three times in the Porter Cup, Sunnehana Amateur and Northeast Amateur.
“He was a dear friend and someone we will remember forever and get a lot of inspiration,” said Kevin Hammer, President of USGA’s President Elect and Championship Committee Chairman. He said in the obituary. “The best amateur since Bobby Jones fell.
“Not only has his career been an amateur, but also an expert. [on the PGA Tour Champions] – Incredibly successful and legendary, but he [also] Participated with all the members [at Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach, Fla.] During team matches, he supported the club, helped the juniors, and inspired them at all levels. His legacy goes far beyond his qualifications to play, and it is extraordinary. ”
Siegel was a low amateur, three times at the Masters and one at the US Open and Open Championship.
He had planned to return the pros when he competed for Wake Forest, but during his sophomore year he injured his arm in an unusual accident in which his left hand passed through the pain window and required 70 stitching.
The injury led Siegel to reconsider his hopes of going professional after nine days in the hospital, and instead started an insurance business.
“I always thought things would happen,” Sigel said. “Hand injuries were the best thing that could happen to me.”
Sigel turned pro late in life at the age of 50, winning eight PGA Tour champion events.
