GOLF icon Ed Fiori has passed away aged 72 following a battle with cancer.
The Californian turned professional in 1977 and claimed four victories on the PGA Tour.
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He also won once on the Champions Tour with his triumph over Tiger Woods at the 1996 Quad Cities Classic perhaps his most memorable victory.
Fiori passed away on Sunday from cancer, with the PGA Tour paying tribute to a golf icon.
A statement read: “Ed Fiori was a true gentleman in our sport, and is a player who would often be referred to as a pro’s pro,’ PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady said.
“In three of his four wins on the PGA Tour, he duelled down the stretch with future World Golf Hall of Fame members, most notably Woods in 1996.
“That grit and resolution in the face of immeasurable odds is incredibly admirable in every aspect of life, and I know he battled cancer with that same determination until the end.
“He will be missed by all of us at the Tour.”
In that famous encounter Woods, who was just 20-years-old at the time, led Fiori by one shot entering the final round.
He dominated Fiori off the tee but eventually faded, opening the door for Fiori, who shot a 67 to hold off Andrew Magee for a two-shot win.
Reflecting on the win, Fiori said: “You kind of root your playing partner on, he roots for you and maybe you can feed off each other and keep it going.
“Playing with Tiger kind of raised my intensity a little bit. It brought my game up with it, I guess.”
Fans have paid tribute to Fiori following his passing.
One said: “Damn, RIP to the legend who chased down Tiger.”
Another added: “RIP to the Tiger slayer 🤍🙏🏻”
And a third wrote: “Oh no, such sad news. He was such a good guy. 💔 RIP to ‘The Grip’. 🙏😢”
