WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Born 47 years ago in Dulwich, Peter Oosterhuis succeeded Tony Jacklin as the leading British golfer of the mid-1970s, and was runner-up in the Open at Troon in 1982. Yet today he probably enjoys greater celebrity in America than at home.

Apart from a short period in New Jersey, Oosterhuis lived in California for 18 years, having joined the US tour in 1975 and remained until 1993. His last job was at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, between Santa Monica and Malibu, which this week will host the US PGA championships.

And, although now based at Englefield Green, near Windsor, he remains better known to the American public through his TV commentaries on European tour events for The Golf Channel.

''I'll have done 30 tournaments by the end of the year,'' he said. ''I work alongside Renton Laidlaw, whom I've known more than 25 years, since my amateur days. I really feel part of the tour.''

Married for the second time, he met his wife, Ruth Ann, while working at the Riviera club. His two sons from his first marriage, Robert and Richard, still live in California.

Although he retired from full-time playing almost 10 years ago, Oosterhuis has plans to make a comeback in the lucrative seniors tour once he turns 50. ''Brian Barnes winning the British Seniors Open was an inspiration to me. There are not many opportunities to play and practise at the moment but it is something I shall have to start thinking about.''

Jon Culley