US golfing legend Jay Sigel has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sigel, who was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in Pennsylvania in November 1943, shot to fame after an outstanding amateur career that saw him win the British Amateurs in 1979 before triumphing in the US Amateurs in 1982 and 1983.

It has now been confirmed that he died over the weekend, and the United States Golf Association (USGA) paid tribute to Sigel on social media.

Their X post read: ‘All of us at the USGA are deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Sigel, a true legend of amateur golf and a cherished member of the USGA family.’

Sigel competed in nine Walker Cups – a biennial amateur golf match between golfers from the US and Great Britain & Ireland.

He claimed more victories (18) than any other player to compete in the competition’s history.

Jay Sigel (pictured) has died at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer

Sigel was an amateur star who competed in the Walker Cup nine times

He did not turn professional until he was 50 but still went on to win eight tournaments

Sigel eventually turned professional at the age of 50, and still managed to have a successful career despite the late switch.

He won eight tournaments and earned nearly $9m in prize money.

His final victory came at the 2003 Bayer Advantage Celebrity Pro-Am.

Sigel competed at the Masters on no fewer than 11 occasions, and made the cut four times.

He also played at the US Open five times, and The Open Championship twice.

Sigel leaves behind three daughters and his wife, Betty.