With eight Grand Slam titles, including five Open Championships, Tom Watson is a true legend of American golf. Here is his career history, his complete list of achievements, and a summary of his grip lesson.
Who is Tom Watson?
Tom Watson is a true legend of American golf who left his mark on the history of the sport, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.
Born on September 4, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri (United States), he turned professional in 1971. He has won 8 major tournaments, placing him among the greatest in history.
Highlights of Tom Watson's Career
Here are some key facts about him:
Major Titles
He has won 8 major tournaments:
- The Open Championship (British Open): 5 wins (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983)
- The Masters: 2 wins (1977, 1981)
- U.S. Open: 1 victory (1982)
Rivalry with Jack Nicklaus
His rivalry with Jack Nicklaus In the 1970s and 1980s, he was involved in some of golf’s most memorable showdowns, such as the 1977 Open at Turnberry, which he won by one stroke with a record score of 268, or the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where his chip-in on the 17th paved the way for his victory.
Recognition
He has been a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame since 1988. He is also known for his accuracy, strategic play, and sportsmanship.
Longevity
Even in his later years, he demonstrated an incredible ability to compete at the highest level, notably coming close to a sixth victory at the British Open at age 59 in 2009, when he was defeated only in a playoff by Stewart Cink.
Awards
He has been named PGA Player of the Year six times and has topped the PGA Tour's money list five times.
Tom Watson's List of Achievements
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Training | Graduate of Stanford University with a degree in psychology (1971) |
| Career Transition | 1971 |
| PGA Tour Victories | 39 |
| The Open Championship | 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983 |
| Masters | 1977, 1981 |
| U.S. Open | 1982 |
| PGA Player of the Year | 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984 |
| Leading the PGA Tour in earnings | 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984 |
| Vardon Trophy | 1977, 1978, 1979 |
| Ryder Cup | Four-time player; winning captain in 1993, captain in 2014 |
| Senior Circuit | 14 victories on the Champions Tour, including 6 senior majors (Senior British Open 2003, 2005, 2007) |
| World Golf Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1988 |
The Grip According to Tom Watson
In his grip lesson, Tom Watson first positions his left hand, following his father’s advice: turn it until two knuckles are visible, with the V formed by the thumb and index finger pointing toward the right shoulder and the left thumb resting on the center-right part of the shaft. His longtime coach would even draw markings on his students’ gloves to help them position their hands.
Tom Watson's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Grip (Grip): A Grip Lesson from Legend Tom Watson.
Do you love golf legends? Check out the profiles of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino.
FAQ About Tom Watson
Who is Tom Watson?
Tom Watson is an American golfer born in 1949 in Kansas City, winner of eight major championships, and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame since 1988.
How many majors has Tom Watson won?
Eight: five Open Championships (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983), two Masters (1977, 1981), and one U.S. Open (1982).
How did Tom Watson do at the 2009 Open?
At age 59, he led the tournament at Turnberry and was defeated only in a playoff by Stewart Cink, coming within a hair of his sixth Open victory.
What lesson by Tom Watson can be found on Best Golf Tips?
A lesson on grip: position your left hand so that two knuckles are visible and the "V" points toward your right shoulder.
