Few golfers have loved links golf, or been loved back by British crowds, quite like Tom Watson. Five Open Championships, two Masters and a US Open make eight majors, and the Kansas City man produced some of the most famous shots and duels the game has ever seen.
From the Duel in the Sun to the chip that broke Jack Nicklaus's heart at Pebble Beach and his incredible run at Turnberry aged 59, this is Watson's story. Find more legends in our golf collection.
Tom Watson Fact File
| Full name | Thomas Sturges Watson |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 4 September 1949 (age 77) |
| Place of birth | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| College | Stanford University |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired from regular tour golf |
| Turned pro | 1971 |
| Majors | 8 |
Career History
| Year | Major | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | The Open Championship | Carnoustie |
| 1977 | The Masters | Augusta National |
| 1977 | The Open Championship | Turnberry |
| 1980 | The Open Championship | Muirfield |
| 1981 | The Masters | Augusta National |
| 1982 | US Open | Pebble Beach |
| 1982 | The Open Championship | Royal Troon |
| 1983 | The Open Championship | Royal Birkdale |
His eight major wins. He also won 39 PGA Tour events, 8 European Tour events and 14 Champions Tour events, including six senior majors.
Kansas City to Stanford
Thomas Sturges Watson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on 4 September 1949. He played college golf at Stanford University, graduating with a psychology degree in 1971, the same year he turned professional. It took a little time to learn how to close out tournaments, but once he did, he became the dominant player of his era.
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Carnoustie and the Duel in the Sun
Watson's first major came at the 1975 Open at Carnoustie. Two years later he beat Jack Nicklaus to win the Masters, and then came the Duel in the Sun at Turnberry in 1977. Paired together over the final rounds, Watson and Nicklaus pulled clear of the field, and Watson edged it with a record total of 268. It is still regarded as one of the greatest head-to-heads in golf history.
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Pebble Beach and the Peak Years
Between 1977 and 1984 Watson led the PGA Tour money list five times and was named PGA Player of the Year six times. He won further Opens at Muirfield in 1980, Royal Troon in 1982 and Royal Birkdale in 1983, plus a second Masters in 1981.
His most famous shot came at the 1982 US Open at Pebble Beach. Level with Nicklaus, he holed an improbable chip from the rough on the 17th, then birdied the last to win by two. Our Tom Watson Golf Icon Frame Men's Polo Shirt is perfect for your next round.
Turnberry 2009 and the Ryder Cup
Watson played on four US Ryder Cup teams and captained the side to victory at The Belfry in 1993, returning as captain in 2014. In 2009, aged 59, he led The Open at Turnberry after the second and third rounds and came within an eight-foot putt of victory on the 72nd hole, before losing a play-off to Stewart Cink. He played his final Masters in 2016.
Honours
Majors
- The Open Championship: 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983
- The Masters: 1977, 1981
- US Open: 1982
Ryder Cup
- Four US teams as a player
- Winning captain: 1993
Individual
- PGA Tour leading money winner: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984
- PGA Player of the Year: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984
- Vardon Trophy: 1977, 1978, 1979
- World Golf Hall of Fame (1988)
Off the Course
Watson has given significant time and money to motor neurone disease research, inspired by his long-time caddie Bruce Edwards, who was diagnosed with the condition. He is also known for his deep affection for Scottish links golf.
FAQs
How old is Tom Watson?
Tom Watson was born on 4 September 1949, so he is 77 years old.
Where was Tom Watson born?
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
How tall is Tom Watson?
Tom Watson stands 1.75 m, or 5 ft 9 in.
How many majors did Tom Watson win?
He won eight majors: five Open Championships, two Masters and one US Open.
What was the Duel in the Sun?
It was the 1977 Open at Turnberry, where Watson and Jack Nicklaus went head to head over the final rounds and Watson won with a record 268.
How close did Tom Watson come to winning the 2009 Open?
Aged 59, he needed a par on the 72nd hole at Turnberry to win but missed an eight-foot putt and lost a play-off to Stewart Cink.
Shop the Tom Watson Collection
Pick your favourite Tom Watson design, made to order in the UK.
Tom Watson Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
Tom Watson Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Discover the full golf collection, or make it personal with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Jack Nicklaus Career Story and Seve Ballesteros Career Story.
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