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Jack Nicklaus has used social media to memorialize English golfer Brian Barnes, who died from cancer on Monday, aged 74.<\/p>\nJack Nicklaus has used social media to memorialize English golfer Brian Barnes, who died from cancer on Monday, aged 74.<\/p>\n
Barnes famously beat Nicklaus twice in one day in the 1975 Ryder Cup.<\/p>\n
Nicklaus tweeted that he and his wife Barbara \u201clearned from Brian Barnes\u2019s daughter, Didi, that her father and our friend Brian had lost his battle with cancer and passed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer words, beautiful and comforting, said if she was to lose her father, it was as close to a \u2018model passing\u2019 as any loving family member could want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicklaus said that Barnes was known for his personality. \u201cSurrounded by family and friend, one of golf\u2019s very talented and most colorful left us at 74.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Barnesy\u2019 was an absolute character. As much entertainer as golfer. Wasn\u2019t uncommon to see him wear long, dark socks with shorts, tee off with pipe in his mouth and mark his ball with a can!\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicklaus also recalled the day he lost twice to Barnes.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest, too much has been made of Barnesy beating me twice on Sunday at the 1975 Ryder Cup.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? Because Brian Barnes was a tough competitor! Played in six straight Ryder Cups, won 20 times as a pro and enjoyed success on both sides of the pond \u2013 before & after he turned 50!\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicklaus said Barnes would hit the ball \u201clong and straight\u201d off the tee and was \u201cquick of wit\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, we will miss Barnesy.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarbara and I want to thank Didi and family for letting us know of this great loss \u2013 for the game and to us, personally \u2013 as we send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n