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More on KentOnline
A former Ryder Cup winner and European Tour champions has died hours before he was meant to tee off at a tournament in Kent.
Gordon Brand Jnr, 60, passed away today after falling ill this morning.
The golfer was set to perform in the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at the London Golf Club, in Ash, today with the likes of Colin Montgomerie.
Mr Brand represented Europe in The Ryder Cup in 1987 and 1989, where he played a role in Europe's first first triumph on American soil.
The Scotsman also played on the European Tour and Staysure Tour, winning ten times in six different countries.
Some of golf's top names have come out and paid tribute to Mr Brand.
"A great man, a great friend, that has left us way too early..." Thomas Bjorn
Justin Rose tweeted: "So sad... I remember watching him play as a kid for the first time at the @BMWPGA and getting his signed golf ball on the 18th hole. #RIPGBjnr."
While Thomas Bjorn added: "When i came on Tour in 1996 this was one of the men that helped me understand what it was all about.
"A great man, a great friend, that has left us way too early. Thank you Junior for everything! RIP."
Head of Staysure Tour Mark Aspland said: “It is with great sadness that we have awoken to the news of the passing of Gordon Brand Jnr.
“Gordon was a huge advocate of the game and one of the stars of Scottish golf during his time on the European Tour.
"His 12 years on the Staysure Tour will be remembered fondly, especially his debut win in Jersey.
“He will be sorely missed by everyone at the Staysure Tour and our thoughts are with his wife Sheena and his close friends at this time.”
David Garland, the European Tour’s director of tour operations, said: “Gordon’s sense of humour was legendary. On more than one occasion you’d be trying to give a ruling and while you’d be concentrating on the information coming through your earpiece, he’d be telling you a joke or a funny story in your other ear. There is no question he’ll be sadly missed.”
