Noel Ratcliffe

Noel Anthony Ratcliffe (17 January 1945 – April 2024) 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

 * 1969 New South Wales Medal
 * 1971 New South Wales Medal

European Tour wins (2)
European Tour playoff record (0–1)

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (1)
PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record (1–0)

Other Australasian wins (2)

 * 1974 Australian PGA Assistants Championship
 * 1976 Huon Open (Papua New Guinea)

European Seniors Tour wins (8)
European Seniors Tour playoff record (0–2)

Other senior wins (3)

 * 1995 Australian Senior Open
 * 2001 Australian PGA Seniors Championship
 * 2008 Polygiene Australian PGA Seniors Championship

Results in major championships
Note: Ratcliffe only played in The Open Championship. {{legend|#eeeeee|Did not play}} CUT = missed the half-way cut (3rd round cut in 1978 and 1981 Open Championships) "T" = tied

Team appearances
Amateur
 * Commonwealth Tournament (representing Australia): 1971
 * Eisenhower Trophy (representing Australia): 1972
 * Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches (representing New South Wales): 1970 (winners), 1971, 1973 (winners)

Professional
 * Praia d'El Rey European Cup: 1997 (winners)