Tom Watson (born September 4, 1949) is an American professional golfer renowned for his 8 major championships, including 5 Open Championships (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983).
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Watson grew up playing at Kansas City's Mission Hills Country Club under coach Stan Thirsk. He attended Stanford University, earning All-American honors in 1970, before turning pro in 1971. Early career struggles ended with his first PGA Tour win in 1974 at the Byron Nelson Classic.
Watson's rivalry with Jack Nicklaus defined an era; he bested Nicklaus in three Opens. Beyond the 1979 Masters, his Open triumphs came at Carnoustie, Turnberry (twice), Muirfield, and Royal Troon. He reached 20% of all British Opens from 1975-1984.
Retiring from competitive golf in 2016, Watson captained the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup team. At 5'9" and 160 lbs in his prime, he's celebrated for accuracy, short game prowess, and bad-weather resilience on links courses. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988, Watson remains a golf ambassador.
Tom Watson (born September 4, 1949) is an American professional golfer renowned for his 8 major championships, including 5 Open Championships (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983).
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Watson grew up playing at Kansas City's Mission Hills Country Club under coach Stan Thirsk. He attended Stanford University, earning All-American honors in 1970, before turning pro in 1971. Early career struggles ended with his first PGA Tour win in 1974 at the Byron Nelson Classic.
Watson's rivalry with Jack Nicklaus defined an era; he bested Nicklaus in three Opens. Beyond the 1979 Masters, his Open triumphs came at Carnoustie, Turnberry (twice), Muirfield, and Royal Troon. He reached 20% of all British Opens from 1975-1984.
Retiring from competitive golf in 2016, Watson captained the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup team. At 5'9" and 160 lbs in his prime, he's celebrated for accuracy, short game prowess, and bad-weather resilience on links courses. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988, Watson remains a golf ambassador.