Three-time PGA tournament winner Bart Bryant dies in a car accident in Florida at the age of 59. The tireless Texan spent 18 years on tour before finally celebrating his first win in 2004 after 187 events
- Three-time PGA champion Bart Bryant died in a car accident on Tuesday at the age of 59
- The details of his death are not known at this time, but the PGA confirmed his death in a statement Tuesday, saying he was “deeply missed.”
- Bryant was preceded in death by his first wife, Cathy, to whom he was married for 34 years until she died of brain cancer in 2017. He survived two daughters
- Bryant was reportedly driving with his second wife, Cathy, from Atlanta to their home in Winter Garden, Fla., when they collapsed. Cathy’s status is unclear
Three-time PGA Tour winner Bart Bryant died in a car accident on Tuesday at the age of 59.
The details of his death are not known at this time, but the PGA confirmed his death in a statement Tuesday. USA Today reports that the accident occurred in Florida while he and his wife, Donna, were driving from Atlanta back to their home in Winter Garden. The report did not include an update on Donna Bryant.
“The PGA Tour is saddened by the tragic death of Bart Bryant and our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in the statement. “The Bryants have been part of the PGA Tour family for over four decades and we are grateful for the impact and legacy he has left on our organization and countless communities. Bart will be greatly missed.’
(Left) Bart Bryant reacts after nearly birdieing on the 7th hole during the third round of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at TPC Harding Park November 2, 2013 in San Francisco. (Right) Bart Bryant celebrates after sinking his final putt on the 18th hole to win the Tour Championship Sunday, November 6, 2005 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Bryant finished 17 under par and six shots ahead of second place Tiger Woods
Bart Bryant with his championship trophy and family after winning THE TOUR Championship on November 6, 2005 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Bryant was preceded in death by his first wife Cathy, to whom he was married for 34 years until she died of brain cancer in 2017. He is survived by daughters Kristen and Michelle, and his stepchildren with his current wife, Donna
Mark Wilson of the PGA Tour described Bryant as a friendly person and “a great golfer”.
Bryant was preceded in death by his first wife, Cathy, to whom he was married for 34 years until she died of brain cancer in 2017. He is survived by daughters Kristen and Michelle, and his stepchildren with his current wife, Donna. His brother Brad was also on the PGA Tour.
The Texas native, who turned pro in 1986, didn’t win a tournament until his 187th event, the 2004 Valero Texas Open, when he was 41. At the time, he was the oldest first-time Tour winner in nine years.
The following year, Bryant won twice, this time beating Tour legend Fred Couples by one shot at Memorial and later beating runner-up Tiger Woods by six at the Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club.
“Some were trying to improve the lives of others just by being nice,” tweeted Mark Wilson of the PGA Tour. “That’s how I think of Bart Bryant. And of course a great golfer. My prayers are with his family at this sudden loss.’
“I’ve been in the golf business most of my professional life and I can tell you Bart and Brad were two of the nicest, kindest people you would ever want to meet,” one fan tweeted. “I pray that Brad’s (sic) faith and his friends are helping him through this terrible tragedy.”
Bart also played on the Champions Tour where he won two events including the 2013 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open.
The Texas native, who turned pro in 1986, didn’t win a tournament until his 187th event, the 2004 Valero Texas Open, when he was 41. At the time, he was the oldest first-time Tour winner in nine years. The following year, Bryant won twice, this time beating Tour legend Fred Couples with a shot at Memorial and later beating runner-up Tiger Woods by six at the Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club (pictured).
Bart’s brother Brad (pictured) also had a successful career on the PGA Tour