Guy Kinnings, DP World Tour Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at the European Tour Group and Ryder Cup Europe, we are deeply saddened to learn of Peter’s passing.
“Peter was hugely admired and respected by all of us who were fortunate enough to have spent time in his company, and indeed by everyone who followed his career.
“He leaves an indelible legacy in our sport, both as a distinguished player and as wonderfully eloquent broadcaster. He made such an immeasurable contribution to our Tour, especially during the Tour’s formative years in the 1970s when he was such a dominant force and through his six Ryder Cup appearances.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and as a Tour we will continue to honour and remember his remarkable career.”
Eric Nicoli, Chairman of the European Tour Group, said: “Peter was a giant of a man in all respects. A world class player and broadcaster who graced our sport on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Thoughtful, gracious, honest, polite yet intensely competitive – he epitomised the values of golf that we must all strive to maintain. He will be greatly missed.”
David Williams, former Chairman of the European Tour Group and a fellow member at the Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Club, said: “As I walk the fairways of our Club, there is rarely a time when I don’t think of Peter playing on this course where he grew up and perfected his extraordinary game.
“A legacy will be the inspiration his life and career will give to a new generation of Dulwich golfers. A charming, polite and lovely man who had time for everybody. The entire world of golf lost a generational talent with his passing.”
Bernard Gallacher, a former Ryder Cup partner of Oosterhuis, said: “This is an incredibly sad day for everyone who was lucky enough to know Peter, but also for the game of golf as a whole.
“I played alongside Peter at boys, youths and senior amateur level all the way through to being his partner in the 1971 Ryder Cup in Missouri where we combined to beat Lee Trevino and Billy Casper before he went on to win both his singles matches, including beating Arnold Palmer.
“Peter was an incredibly intelligent golfer, dedicated to his craft and to practice. He excelled in course management and putting which made him a very difficult opponent to get the better of.
“He was also a very intelligent man and a lovely person to be with in company. I never heard him talk badly of anyone in the decades I knew him and that, alongside his eloquence and deep knowledge of the game, was the reason he was also such a popular and excellent broadcaster.”
He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann, sons Rob and Rich, stepsons Byron and Matt and four grandchildren Peyton, Turner, Sutton and Lachlan.