Eight major titles including five British Opens — and nearly won a sixth at age 59.
Thomas Sturges Watson was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1949. His five Open Championship victories at Carnoustie (1975), Turnberry (1977), Muirfield (1980), Royal Troon (1982) and Royal Birkdale (1983) place him among the greatest links golfers ever. He also won the Masters twice (1977, 1981) and the US Open (1982) — eight majors in total. His 1977 Turnberry duel with Jack Nicklaus — the Duel in the Sun — is considered the finest head-to-head in major championship history. In 2009 aged 59 he came within one missed putt of becoming the oldest major champion in history at Turnberry. He won 39 PGA Tour titles.
Five Open Championship victories and fierce rivalry with Jack Nicklaus
How They Played
Exceptional short game, brilliant chipper and putter, master of links golf
Lasting Impact
One of golf's greatest links players and most successful golfers of late 1970s and early 1980s
The Open Championship 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983
He led the 2009 British Open at age 59 and needed a par to win. He bogeyed and lost in a playoff.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- The Open Championship 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983
- Masters 1977, 1981
- US Open 1982
- PGA Tour Player of Year 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982
- Ryder Cup 4 appearances (captain 1993)
- PGA Tour leading money winner 5x