Magnificent Victories!

Tom Watson earned victories through perseverance and determination, carving himself a place in golfing history

Ian Tom Watson was introduced to golf relatively late in life when he studied psychology at Stanford University. In fact, he proved so good that he qualified for the university’s golf team. After his graduation, he turned professional in 1971.

In the early years of his career, Watson seemed to lose his nerve when it became possible for him to actually win a tournament. Whether true or not, the media played on it and earned Watson an ‘also ran’ reputation. Bryon Nelson approached Watson after a tournament and offered his assistance.

Watson began working with Byron Nelson, who would become a great friend and mentor, and in 1974 broke through with his first PGA Tour victory. In 1975, he won the Byron Nelson Classic, then his first British Open title. Watson was off and running.

Watson won the first of his five Open titles in 1975. His dedication to the Open earned him enormous respect in the United Kingdom especially as so many Americans see world golf as beginning and ending on the US shoreline. By 1977, the years he won his first US Masters, Watson became leading money winner and the greatest challenge to Jack Nicklaus. In the period of time between Jack Nicklaus’ peak and Tiger Woods’ peak, Watson was head-and-shoulders above any other golfer in the world.

Watson stood up to Nicklaus on numerous occasions, one of the few golfers who consistently went toe-to-toe with Nicklaus and came out on top. Their duel at the 1977 British Open – where Nicklaus shot 66-66 over the final two rounds, while Watson shot 66-65 to win by one - is one of the greatest head-to-head battles the sport has ever seen. Watson robbed Nicklaus of another major at the 1982 U.S. Open with his famous chip-in on the 17th hole at Pebble Beach.

These were golden years for Watson. He was five times leading money winner, six times US PGA Player of the Year. He won the US Open in 1983. He was awarded the Vardon trophy three times and in 1986 was awarded the Bobby Jones Award. However the US PGA always eluded with a second place his best finish. Watson had a genuine affinity for the sporting element of golf and although financially successful, he did not always chase the buck. Tom Watson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.

Watson retired in 1991 and his magnificent victories earned through perseverance and determination, set an example. In 1999, Tom Watson was made an honorary member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. He joined four other Americans to receive that honour: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, President George H.W. Bush and Gene Sarazen.

While he has perhaps not earned the popularity that he deserves, his place in golf’s history is assured.

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