Former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett has died at the age of 87.

Former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett has died at the age of 87.

He played six times in the famous golf tournament for Great Britain and Ireland, finishing 12 between 1963 and 1975 but was never a winner.

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The Welshman also served as non-playing captain in the 1977 edition, which Team USA won and was the last Ryder Cup that did not feature players from continental Europe.

Born in Porthcawl in 1936, he soon fell in love with golf and became a professional golfer in 1951 at just 15 years of age.

Huggett won an impressive 16 continental titles, two of which were achieved on the European Tour.

And daughter Sandra paid tribute with an emotional statement on social media.

It read: “My beloved Dad passed away at 1am this morning.

“A part of my heart went with him.

“It was a privilege to be with him and hold his hand for those last few hours.

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“Lots of love from your No. 1 fan.”

Huggett retired shortly after the 1977 Ryder Cup and returned to the seniors in 1992.

He had 10 wins during his 15-year career on the Tour.

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And in 2010 Huggett took on the role of ambassador when the Ryder Cup came to his native Wales.

The icon was later awarded honorary lifetime membership of the DP World Tour.

And tributes have been paid by fans and golf professionals alike.

“Sad to hear of the passing of Welsh legend Brian Huggett,” said former Masters champion Ian Woosnam.

Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, said: “It’s hard to overestimate how important Brian was to us, to the Tour and to the Ryder Cup.

“He was a gentleman and great to work with. He had an extraordinary career of his own, but obviously he played six times in the Ryder Cup for Great Britain and Ireland and was captain as well.

“We honour our greatest heroes and respect what they did for the Ryder Cup. We will remember some of the messages they left for the players in the team room in recent years, in their wonderful voices and through the film.

“We all miss him very much and this is an opportunity for all of us to give credit to one of our true legends.”

Meanwhile, a fan said: “Really sad news, such a lovely person with a story for everyone.”

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Another said: “A Welsh sporting hero and legend. Tenacious, humorous and humble.”