Tributes have been paid to Senior Major Champion Simon Hobday who has died age 76.
The South African won the 1994 U.S. Senior Open by one stroke from Jim Albus and Graham Marsh at Pinehurst Resort, adding to his two European Tour titles and four further wins on the US PGA TOUR Champions circuit.
Hobday turned professional in 1969, aged 29, and won his first European Tour title seven years later at the German Open. He would finish inside the top ten on 11 further occasions before claiming his second European Tour victory in 1979 at the Madrid Open.
His U.S. Senior Open victory is best remembered for his celebration, as the then-54 year old kissed the 18th green after making par on the final hole.
Zimbabwe's Tony Johnstone led the tributes to a man regarded as one of the biggest characters in the sport:
Simon Hobday, a true legend of the game, has left us. One of the greatest characters golf has known who gave us so many laughs. RIP Hobbers.
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) March 2, 2017
And OMG will his stories live on or what! #Legend Washing his clothes in bath tub using his putter to stir them! "First out wins"! https://t.co/V5Q5Ybol3M
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) March 2, 2017
Simon Hobday. A golfing genius. Very few struck the ball as purely as the 'Rhodesian'. Talented, gifted, hilarious, great friend, champion.
— Ewen Murray (@ewenmurray77) March 2, 2017
Incredibly sad new to hear about passing of Simon Hobday. Condolences from the board, staff and members of the Sunshine Tour. #RIPSimon pic.twitter.com/JFVZgho5aY
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) March 2, 2017
I was once told "Admire your heroes from afar" but it didn't apply to this great man.1 of the true characters in our sport. RIP Simon Hobday pic.twitter.com/UA4ALJIcGS
— Darren Clarke (@DarrenClarke60) March 2, 2017
RIP Simon Hobday I am glad that I knew him,His story's will live forever.Legendary.
— Barry Lane (@BazLane) March 2, 2017
Sad day today our friend Simon Honday has passed! Condolences to his family. RIP my friend @PGATOUR @Sunshine_Tour pic.twitter.com/WGghj4LIG1
— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) March 2, 2017
