Peter Thomson obit

Peter Thomson: Golfer who won five Open Championships dies

He was not on the list.

Peter Thomson, one of Australia's greatest golfers and a five-time Open Championship winner, has died aged 88.

Thomson had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for more than four years and died at his home in Melbourne on Wednesday, Golf Australia said.

In 1954, he became the first Australian to claim the Open Championship in Britain.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Among numerous accolades, Thomson was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979 and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2001.

Only four other golfers - Harry Vardon, JH Taylor, James Braid and Tom Watson - have won as many Open Championships. Thomson also had great success on the American circuit.

In addition to his playing achievements, he went on to be president of the Australian PGA for 32 years and helped establish the Asian Tour.

Tributes posted online celebrated him as a towering figure of the sport.

Skip Twitter post by @RichardMarlesMP

    Australia's greatest male golfer has left us. Peter Thomson: 84 professional wins, 5 British opens...3 in a row - a national treasure. He represented all that is good in sport: a true gentleman.

    My thoughts are with Mary, Deirdre, Andrew, Pan & Fiona. @GolfAust @PGAofAustralia

    — Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) June 20, 2018

End of Twitter post by @RichardMarlesMP

Skip Twitter post by @rdhinds

    So sad to hear about the death of Peter Thomson. Amazing golfer with an effortless swing, champion of his game’s wonderful traditions and one of the kindest and most indulgent people I’ve met in any sport. Thanks for everything Thommo.#Vale

    — Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) June 20, 2018

End of Twitter post by @rdhinds

Skip Twitter post by @AndyMaherDFA

    Australia loses one of its great sons with the passing of Peter Thomson.

    — Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) June 20, 2018