Two-time European Tour winner, Noel Ratcliffe, Dies aged 79.

Noel Ratcliffe, a two-time European Tour champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 79 on April 15, 2024.

A PGA of Australia member for 47 years, Ratcliffe joined the association in 1977 following a distinguished amateur career representing Australia in the 1972 Eisenhower Trophy alongside Terry Gale, Mike Cahill, and Tony Gresham.

Their team finished second to an American team led by future two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw.

Affectionately known as ‘The Rat,’ Ratcliffe transitioned to the professional ranks at the age of 29, where he went on to achieve remarkable success.

Ratcliffe secured victories at the 1978 Belgian Open and the 1987 Benson and Hedges International Open, the latter marked by a memorable eagle on the 72nd hole.

Among his domestic triumphs, Ratcliffe’s standout win came at the 1977 South Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, adding his name to a prestigious honor roll that includes Peter Thomson, Ted Ball, Billy Dunk, Graham Marsh, and Greg Norman.

Over the span of five appearances at The Open Championship between 1978 and 1988, Ratcliffe’s best result was a tied 38th finish in his final appearance at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Upon reaching the age of 50, Ratcliffe redirected his focus to the senior circuit, where he experienced significant success across Europe and Australia.

He amassed eight victories on the European Seniors Tour, clinching the Order of Merit in 2000.

Furthermore, Ratcliffe boasted numerous wins on the Australian PGA Legends Tour, including the 1995 Australian Senior Open and the 2001 and 2008 Australian PGA Senior Championships.