Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid-Amateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice as a playing captain.
BERWYN, Pa. — Jay Sigel, who was widely viewed as America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, has died of pancreatic cancer, the U.S. Golf Association said Sunday.
The USGA said Sigel died Saturday at age 81. Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid-Amateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice as a playing captain.
Sigel was low amateur in the Masters three times, and once each at the U.S. Open and British Open during his sterling career.
His intention was to turn pro when he starred at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer scholarship. But his left hand went through a pane window on a swinging door that required 70 stitches. Sigel decided to remain amateur and started a successful insurance business.
“I always …