Pro golfer Bart Bryant killed in vehicle accident in Florida

POLK CITY, Fla. (AP) — Bart Bryant, who as soon as beat Tiger Woods to win the most important paycheck of his profession, was killed when a truck slammed into his SUV whereas he was stopped in a line of automobiles on a central Florida street for a building crew, authorities stated.

Bryant, 59, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour, was unresponsive when emergency responders in Polk Metropolis discovered him Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to a hospital the place he died. His spouse, Donna, 49, additionally was within the automobile and was taken to a hospital with minor accidents, the Polk County Sheriff’s Workplace stated in an emailed assertion.

“The PGA Tour is saddened by the tragic passing of Bart Bryant and our hearts exit to his household and mates throughout this troublesome time,” Commissioner Jay Monahan stated. “The Bryants have been part of the PGA Tour household for over 4 many years and we’re grateful for the impression and legacy he made on our group and numerous communities. Bart can be dearly missed.”

Bryant’s older brother, Brad, additionally gained on the PGA Tour. They each certified for the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

Bryant’s profession was marked by humility and perseverance, and he was awarded the Ben Hogan Award by the Golf Writers Affiliation of America in 2006 for staying energetic in golf regardless of bodily setbacks.

He had rotator cuff surgical procedure in 1992 that despatched him bouncing round mini-tours and journeys to PGA Tour qualifying faculty to maintain his card. He additionally had surgical procedure on each elbows, and he gained his first event on the 2004 Texas Open.

Nothing might high the 2005 season. He held off Fred {Couples} to win the Memorial, saving par from a creek on the 18th gap at Muirfield Village. And on the Tour Championship at East Lake to finish the yr, he opened with a 62 and went wire-to-wire, successful by six photographs over Woods.

That continues to be essentially the most photographs Woods completed behind as a runner-up.

In accordance with the sheriff’s workplace, the Bryants’ SUV was stopped on the building website close to an intersection. A truck touring in the identical path did not see their stopped SUV and slammed into it, the sheriff’s workplace stated.

It stated an investigation was ongoing. Bryant lived in close by Auburndale.

“He was a champion on and off the course and can be dearly missed by many,” the PGA Tour Champions tweeted.

Bryant is survived by his second spouse, daughters Kristen and Michelle and his stepchildren. His first spouse, Cathy, preceded him in demise. She died in 2017 of mind most cancers, 11 months after her analysis.

___

Extra AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Copyright 2022 The Related Press. All rights reserved.