Noel Ratcliffe


Noel Anthony Ratcliffe was an Australian professional golfer.

Early life and amateur career

Ratcliffe turned to golf late for a future professional, and didn't own a set of clubs until he was twenty-one. At university he studied pharmacy and worked for an insurance company and in public service.

Professional career

In 1974, Ratcliffe turned professional. Like many Australian golfers of his era, he divided his time between the PGA Tour of Australia and the European Tour. In his regular career he won three titles in Australasia and two in Europe, where his best year was 1978 when he finished 11th on the Order of Merit.
After turning fifty he was successful on the European Seniors Tour, where he topped the Order of Merit in 2000, made the top five on four other occasions, and won eight tournaments.

Death

Ratcliffe died in April 2024, at the age of 79.

Amateur wins

European Tour wins (2)

European Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentsResult
11978Benson & Hedges International Open

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (1)

PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11977South Australian Open

Other Australasian wins (2)

European Seniors Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentsResult
11996Ryder Collingtree Seniors Classic

Other senior wins (3)

Note: Ratcliffe only played in The Open Championship.
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" = tied

Team appearances

Amateur
  • Commonwealth Tournament : 1971
  • Eisenhower Trophy : 1972
  • Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches : 1970, 1971, 1973
Professional
  • Praia d'El Rey European Cup: 1997