Former Memorial Champion and Senior Tour Golfer Dies in an Accident aged 59

The 2022 Memorial Tournament will begin on June 2nd at the Muirfield Village Golf Club. The golf world feels nothing but happiness for the upcoming event. However, the news of the demise of a former Memorial champion has completely changed the atmosphere. 

The 2005 Memorial Tournament champion Bart Bryant died in an accident on May 31st, Tuesday. He was 59 at the time of his death. 

As an American golfer who played in both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, the officials shared the unfortunate news with the public through a social media post. 

Born in 1962, Bryant attracted the golf world to him with his performances in amateur golfing. He was named All-American at New Mexico State twice. He had even won a couple of championships to prove his ability to play good golf, including the 1984 UCLA Billy Bryant Invitational. 

Bryant turned professional in 1986 and two years later won his first title at the 1988 Florida Open. He joined the PGA Tour in 1991. After having a couple of top 10 finishes in the following years, the golfer played full-time on the Korn Ferry Tour in 1993. 

Bart Bryant’s victories on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions

After 14 years of joining the PGA Tour, Bryant won his first title on Tour at the 2004 Valero Texas Open. He was 41 years, 10 months, and 1-day-old when he won the event. 

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Furthermore, the golfer continued the streak in the following year with 7 top 25 finishes, including two victories, in his 26 starts. He won the 2005 TOUR Champions with a six-shot lead against Tiger Woods. 

He won the 2005 Memorial Tournament with 69-69-66-68, making him the 7th different player to post all rounds in the 60s at the event. The golfer joined the PGA Tour Champions in 2013 and marked his first victory in the same year at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. 

Additionally, he reclaimed the title five years later in 2018 with a one-shot lead against Michael Bradley. Notably, he made a 25-foot putt to finish the 18th hole in the last round to score an overall 16-under par. 

Family of the Former Memorial Champion

The golfer’s first wife, Cathy, died in 2017 due to brain cancer. Bryant and Cathy have two daughters, Kristen, born in 1988, and Michelle, born in 1994. 

The three-time PGA Tour winner remarried Donna in 2017. Notably, his brother Brad is also a Tour winner. Bart Bryant had dedicated his life to golf. He will be remembered for his contributions to the world of golf. 

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