The golf world is in mourning following the news that five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson passed away at the age of 88.
Peter Thomson was named the first Immortal of the PGA of Australia in 2016
A brilliant man who will be remembered as one of the greatest of the game pic.twitter.com/GdfpPUF5hL
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) June 20, 2018
The Australian golf legend, the first from Down Under to win The Open, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, his family confirmed.
‘He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for more than four years and lost his brave battle at home in Melbourne surrounded by family,’ a statement said.
Thomson’s Open feats were matched only by American Tom Watson.
‘The PGA of America joins golf fans worldwide in mourning the passing of Peter Thomson, a legendary champion who represented his country with honour, while earning his status as one of the game’s most beloved ambassadors,’ said the PGA of America.
Thomson finished either first or second in The Open for seven consecutive years (1952-58), the longest such streak in the Championship’s history.
‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Open legend, Peter Thomson CBE. Our deepest sympathies are with his family. Peter was a five-time Champion Golfer of the Year first winning at Royal Birkdale in 1954,’ read a statement on behalf of The Open on Twitter.
His global appeal stretched as he won in Europe, Australia and Asia. He also claimed the Texas Open in 1956 and was prolific on the American senior circuit with nine wins in 1985.
Thomson extended his passion for golf as the president of the Australian PGA for 32 years while also designing and building courses in Australia and around the world.
‘Not nice to hear about anyone passing away… but Australia and the golfing world has lost another of its greats… Vale Peter Thomson… sad day for Aussie golf… condolences to his family,’ wrote Australian European Tour player Scott Hend.
‘Three-time International team captain Peter Thomson left an immeasurable impact on our event, our game and most importantly our world. He was truly one of the greatest sportsmen we’ve ever known and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing. Our thoughts go out to his family,’ read a note issued by the Presidents Cup.
Peter Thomson was one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons and an even better person.
A two-time #WorldCupofGolf champion & 11-time competitor, Thomson embodied the event’s founding mission “International Goodwill Through Golf”.
Our thoughts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/qG8f5uCgnK
— World Cup of Golf (@WorldCupofGolf) June 20, 2018
