Sam Torrence Factfile

1953: Born, Samuel Robert Torrance, Largs, Scotland, August 24.

1970: Turned professional - First made cut in ninth event.

1972: European Tour rookie of the year.

1975: Wins Zambian Open.

1976: Wins Piccadilly Medal &Martini International.

1979: Colombian Open.

1980: Australian PGA Championship.

1981: First Ryder Cup cap. Wins Carrolls Irish Open.

1983: Scandinavian Enterprise Open, Portuguese Open.

1984: Wins Tunisian Open, Benson and Hedges International, Sanyo Open. Finishes second for best season to date on European Tour Order of Merit.

1985: Holed winning putt at the Ryder Cup at The Belfry. Johnnie Walker Monte Carlo Open.

1987: Lancia Italian Open.

1990: Mercedes German Masters.

1991: Jersey European Airways Open.

1993: Kronenbourg Open, Heineken Open Catalonia, Honda Open.

1995: Murphy's Irish Open, Conte of Florence Italian Open, Collingtree British Masters. Finishes second on European Tour Order of Merit again.

1996: Made an MBE.

1998: Peugeot Open de France.

1999: One of Mark James' vice-captains at Ryder Cup.

Others:

Ryder Cup caps: 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995.

Scottish Professional Champion: 1978, 1980, 1985, 1991, 1993.

21 European Tour victories.

Total tour earnings - £4.5million.

First golfer in European tour history to play 600 tournaments.

Family: Wife Suzanne and children Daniel, Phoebe, Anouska