Three-time PGA Tour winner Bart Bryant dies aged 59

Three-time PGA Tour winner Bart Bryant has died aged 59 after a car accident in Florida on Tuesday.

Bryant was a gutsy and popular player on the circuit who overcame injuries and several trips to Q-School before ending a long wait for glory.

He turned pro in 1986 but would have to wait until the 2004 Valero Texas Open for his first taste of victory. Bryant was 41 years old – it was his 187th start on the PGA Tour.

The following year he claimed the Memorial at Muirfield Village Golf Club, and would then shoot a course-record 62 at the Tour Championship, which he eventually won by six shots ahead of Tiger Woods.

It remains the furthest back Woods has finished in a tournament where he was the runner-up.

Bart's older brother, Brad, was also a pro golfer. He won the 1995 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic. Bart's 2004 Texas triumph made them the 12th set of brothers to win on the PGA Tour.

"The PGA Tour is saddened by the tragic passing of Bart Bryant and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time," said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

"The Bryants have been a part of the PGA Tout family for over four decades and we are grateful for the impact and legacy he made on our organisation and countless communities. Bart will be dearly missed."