04/10/1985; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jay Sigel acknowledges crowd at the Augusta National Golf Course during the 1985 Masters. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jay Sigel, a towering figure in amateur golf and a lifelong Philadelphian, died Saturday at the age of 81 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Sigel's golf journey began as a caddie at Bala Golf Club. He attended Lower Merion High School and later Wake Forest University on an Arnold Palmer Scholarship, where he became a two-time All-American.
An injury during college altered his path from a potential professional career to a distinguished amateur one.
Sigel's amateur achievements are unparalleled. He won the U.S. Amateur twice (1982, 1983) and the U.S. Mid-Amateur three times (1983, 1985, 1987), becoming the only golfer to win both titles in the same year.
He also secured the British Amateur in 1979. His dominance extended to regional tournaments, with 11 Pennsylvania Amateur titles and six Philadelphia Open Championships.
Jay Sigel is one of the greatest amateurs in golf history - and his record at the Masters proves it.
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Sigel represented the U.S. in nine Walker Cup matches, serving as playing captain twice, and holds records for most matches played and won in the event.
At 50, Sigel turned professional, joining the PGA Champions Tour and winning eight events, including the 1996 Senior Tour Championship. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1994.
Beyond the course, Sigel was a successful insurance executive and a dedicated philanthropist.
He founded the Jay Sigel Invitational at Aronimink Golf Club in Delaware County, raising funds for cancer research at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as president of the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association and The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia.
Sigel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty, their three daughters, and six grandchildren. His legacy endures in the Philadelphia golf community and beyond, remembered for his sportsmanship, leadership, and contributions to the game.
