The golf world lost a true character this week with sad news that Eduardo Romero has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 67.
Nicknamed ‘El Gato’ (The Cat), the Argentinian had a hugely successful career back home and further afield on the European Tour and then the Champions Tour.
An eight-time winner on the European Tour including victories in France, Scotland and Spain, Romero was a regular visitor to Irish shores, known for a beaming smile and a big heart that made him popular with all those fortunate enough to have met him.
Romero won more than 80 tournaments on his home continent of South America and represented Argentina in the World Cup and the Alfred Dunhill Cup on a number of occasions.
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer at the European Tour group who played on Tour alongside Romero during the 1980s and 1990s, said: “All of us at the European Tour group are sad to hear of the passing of Eduardo Romero.
“Eduardo had an enviable CV, with two Senior Majors and national opens of France, Scotland and Spain to his name. He was an important part of a special group of Argentinian golfers to have played on the European Tour in the 1980s and 1990s and then on the Seniors Tour in the 2000s, and he was a fun guy to be around who always played golf with a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed.”
You only have to see the reaction online to Romero’s death to understand just how highly he was regarded by his fellow pros:
This really hurts..
Eduardo was the nicest man.
A great friend that always was a pleasure to be around.
He had a big game but more importantly an even bigger heart.
RIP, dear El Gato,
A true great ambassador for Argentina and for our game.
? https://t.co/ONiH0DL8Jv— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) February 14, 2022
Eduardo Romero ‘ El Gato ‘ the beautiful golfer.
What a man! Such a warm character! With a kind heart! Inspirational ! Generous!..and alway?Smiling! #legend We’ll all miss ‘the cat’ RIP ? pic.twitter.com/gPp7tlaGqg
— Ken Brown ..⛳️ (@KenBrownGolf) February 14, 2022
Sad to wake up to this news. One of the really great golfers and people I played on Tour with. Great sense of fun and always greeted Irish players with a smile and a “conas ta tu ??” #RIP https://t.co/a5dEq3XYrp
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) February 14, 2022
Such sad news. Eduardo was one of the good guys. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/T0DT9HOLlR
— Colin Montgomerie (@montgomeriefdn) February 14, 2022
This is extremely sad. I played several rounds with El Gato and I always looked up to him. The gentlest of man with the most extraordinary golf game. #RIP Gato. You will be missed. https://t.co/n0X4N5WnVO
— Jeev Milkha Singh (@JeevMilkhaSingh) February 14, 2022
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