Scottish · Irvine, Scotland · Born 25 February 1958Scottish professional golfer who became the first British player to win the Masters Tournament in 1988 and claimed The Open Championship in 1985
Sandy Lyle was the first British player to win the Masters, claiming the green jacket at Augusta in 1988 with one of the tournament's most famous shots — a brilliant 7-iron from a fairway bunker at the 18th that led to the winning birdie. A former Open Champion and world number one, Lyle's natural power and exceptional long game made him one of the great players of the 1980s. Lyle reached world number one in 1988, the year of his Masters triumph, becoming the first Englishman to top the rankings, though a loss of form in the swing changes that followed meant he never again scaled the same heights in major championships.
First British golfer to win Masters Tournament
How They Played
Natural ball-striker with exceptional touch around greens
Lasting Impact
Pioneering British golfer who broke barriers at Augusta National
Career Honours
- MBE (1987)
- World Golf Hall of Fame (2012)