Five Opens and a true gentleman of the game
PETER Thomson didn’t just win The Open five times. Australia’s greatest golfer left such an impression on everyone that when his life ended yesterday, at the age of 88, every tribute gave equal measure to his qualities as a man.
‘Five times a champion golfer of the year and a true gentleman of the game,’ said Ernie Els — but then, in their own way, so did everyone else. If ever there was a professional who recalled the greatest amateur of all, Bobby Jones, and his rare ability in so many different fields, it was the urbane Thommo.
Not only did he play golf as well as anyone of his time, he wrote about it beautifully for The Age of Melbourne, designed courses imaginatively all around the world, and was a wonderful raconteur. When he wanted to be pithy — he was an Aussie, after all — he did so with an admirable command of language and insight. How about this verdict on Tiger Woods, expressed in an interview he gave to mark his 80th birthday?
‘He will probably win five Opens before he stops but he will find it harder because he’s up against an increasing number of young people who are matching him,’ said Thomson.
‘I wish he’d smile more. He injures his image by being morose and petulant. There is also very little consideration for the fellow he is playing with. He could show more humility.’
Look at Tiger now. Not only has the first part proved prescient, it’s as if Woods has taken on board the second part to bathe his final years in a kinder light.
Those who watched Thomson combine a textbook swing with impeccable course management would not be surprised at all.
‘He was a truly wonderful golfer and a fine global ambassador,’ said South African Gary Player. ‘His contribution to golf will not be forgotten. In addition, he was the most intellectual and best read player I ever met.’
Thomson learned to play golf at the age of 12 when he was given a two-iron for his birthday.
He practised constantly and, a year later, he was given a full set of clubs and membership of a nine-hole course in Melbourne. Two years later, he won the club championship. After studying for a chemistry degree, he began a professional career that would include 89 titles worldwide.
It was The Open, though, that was dearest to his heart and where his achievements cement his standing as one of the game’s finest players. The first Australian to win the Claret Jug, he is the only golfer post-19th century to win the game’s grandest prize three years in a row — from 1954-56 — and, alongside Tom Watson, the only man to win it five times in all in the last 100 years.
‘Looking at old pictures, the pure joy of what it meant to him to win the Claret Jug shines through,’ said current holder, Jordan Spieth. ‘There’s one picture where he’s holding the trophy close to his face and you can see he how proud he was to be the champion. Of course, we’re saddened by his passing but what a legacy.’
Thomson, made a CBE in 1979, is survived by his wife Mary, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
TWO-TIME major winner Hubert Green has died after a battle with throat cancer. He was 71. Green won the 1977 U.S. Open and the 1985 PGA Championship. He was also a member of three US Ryder Cup teams — and never lost a singles match.