Golfing legend Peter Thomson dies, aged 88

Australian golfing great Peter Thomson has died surrounded by his family after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Thomson died at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning.

Australian golfing great Peter Thomson has died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The five-time British Open champion had been fighting the disease for the past four years.

Based in Melbourne, Thomson was 88.

I’m am so saddened to hear of the passing of our Aussie legend and true gentleman of the game, Peter Thomson. My heart goes out to his wife Mary and the rest of the Thompson family. So honoured to have been able to call Peter my friend. RIP Peter

— Karrie Webb (@Karrie_Webb) June 20, 2018

Thomson is best remembered for his five wins in The Open Championship.

Thomson died at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning. He is survived by his wife Mary, a son and three daughters, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The first Australian to win the British Open, Thomson claimed the title five times between 1954 and 1965, a record equalled only by American Tom Watson. On the American senior circuit he won nine times in 1985.

When I caddied at St. Andrews after college i landed in a group one day with Peter Thomson. I didn’t have his bag but it was unbelievable to see up close his position through the ball in his 70s. He hit every shot solid. RIP to a very underrated person of this sport.

— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) June 20, 2018

Thomson was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in1979.

As well as a great player, Thomson served as president of the Australian PGA for 32 years, designing and building courses in Australia and around the world. He also helped establish the Asian Tour and worked behind the scenes for the Odyssey House drug rehabilitation organisation where he was chairman for five years.

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.

AAP