After turning professional in 1969, the Englishman competed on the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) for two decades between 1972 and 1992.
He finished runner‑up on four occasions, including in a four‑man play‑off at the Greater Manchester Open in 1978, second to Nick Faldo at the Open de France in 1988, and defeats to Christy O’Connor Jnr and Seve Ballesteros in 1989 at the Jersey Open and Epsom Grand Prix of Europe respectively.
His best season came in 1988, when he finished 20th on the European Tour Order of Merit.
Prior to then, he won the PLM Open on the Swedish Golf Tour in 1985, a year before the tournament became part of the European Tour schedule.
Durnian played in The Open Championship every year from 1982 to 1990. His best result in a Major Championship came at Royal Birkdale in 1983, where he tied for eighth place after setting a record nine‑hole score of 28 on the front nine during the second round.
After turning 50, Durnian joined the European Senior Tour, now known as the Legends Tour. Between 2000 and 2014 he won three titles — the Wales Senior Open in 2001, followed by the Scottish Seniors Open and Estoril Seniors Tour Championship in 2002. He finished runner‑up on the Order of Merit in both 2001 and 2002.
He represented the Rest of the World at the UBS Cup – a Ryder Cup-style team competition – in 2001 and 2002.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
