Vale
Peter Thomson
VALE – Peter Thomson AO, CBE (1929-2018)
The golfing world is deeply saddened with the passing of Peter Thomson also known as ‘5 Times’ for winning 5 Open Championships.
A true gentleman of the game, a legend of Australian sport and an Immortal of the PGA of Australia, Mr Thomson’s contribution to golf and our Association was immense and will live forever in our hearts and the pages of history.
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 at 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday 20th June 2018. Born on 23rd August 1929, he was two months short of his 89th birthday.
The first Australian to win the British Open went on to secure the title five times between 1954 and 1965, a record equalled in the 20th and 21st centuries only by American Tom Watson. On the American senior circuit, he won nine times in 1985, setting a record that may never be broken.
As well as a great player he was an outstanding contributor to the game, serving as president of the Australian PGA for 32 years, designing and building courses in Australia and around the world, helping establish the Asian Tour, and working behind the scenes for the Odyssey House drug rehabilitation organisation where he was chairman for five years. He also wrote for newspapers and magazines for more than 60 years and was patron of the Australian Golf Writers Association.
In 1979 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his service to golf and in 2001 became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions as a player and administrator and for community service.
Peter is survived by his wife Mary, son Andrew and daughters Deirdre Baker, Pan Prendergast and Fiona Stanway, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
This is a sad day for Australian golf but we reflect back on the life of Peter Thomson with respect and pride in our hearts knowing that it was a great privilege to have a man of his talent, passion, wisdom and grace be such an integral part of the PGA of Australia.
Our condolences are extended to the Thomson family and to all those close to the wonderful Peter Thomson AO, CBE.
Philip Baird
PGA Professional, Manly Golf Club
Director Australian Golf Heritage Society