Tom Watson (golfer)

Tom Watson (born September 4, 1949) is a golfer on the Champions Tour, who still occasionally competes in PGA TOUR events.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Watson began his golf career in 1971, the same year he graduated from Stanford University with a degree in psychology.

He has won seven major championships on the regular tour—one Masters (1977), one US Open (1982), and five British Openss (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983).

His 1977 British Open victory, at Turnberry in Scotland, was especially memorable. After two rounds, he and Jack Nicklaus were tied for the lead, and thus would be paired for the third round. Both shot 66, remaining tied for the lead; they would again be paired for the final round. On the last day, Nicklaus shot 66 again, but Watson shot 65 to win.

Watson's only US Open win, in 1982 at Pebble Beach, was equally memorable. Again, he was in a final-round pairing with Nicklaus. On the par-3 17th hole, Watson hit his tee shot into the rough just off the green. He faced an extremely difficult chip shot downhill on a very fast green that sloped toward the Pacific Ocean. Watson's chip shot, amazingly, hit the flagstick and landed in the cup, giving him a near-miraculous birdie and providing him with his victory margin over Nicklaus.

He joined the Champions Tour in 1999, the same year he earned an honorary membership to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in Scotland.

A memorable moment in Watson's career came at the 2003 US Open, when he shot an opening-round 65 with his longtime caddy Bruce Edwards carrying his clubs. The latter would succumb to ALS on April 8, 2004 at the age of 49.

He has won 53 events on both the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour.

Watson currently resides in Stillwell, Kansas with his wife, two children, and three stepchildren. He also designed the National Golf Club of Kansas City golf course.