Golf legend Peter Thomson dies, age 88

The sporting world is in mourning today following the sad news that Peter Thomson has passed away.

Thomson, who was one of the greatest golfers Australia has ever seen, died at the age of 88, according to reports. Golf.org.au states the sportsman had been living with Parkinson’s disease for four years.

He died surrounded by family at his Melbourne home on Wednesday morning at 9am, with his loved ones announcing he had lost his battle with the condition. He was just two months away from his 89th birthday. You may recall Thomson being the first ever Australian to win the British Open. If that wasn’t enough, he went on to win the title an additional five times between 1954 and 1965.

In 1979, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to golf. Later, in 2001, he also became an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contributions as a play, administrator and for the services he provided the community.

Devastated fans have started paying their respects on social media.

One fan wrote: “One of my heroes has past today in Peter Thomson. IMO [in my opinion] he was the clearest thinking sports person in our rich history – and a great man who loved and helped golf in Australia”.

One of my hero’s has past today in Peter Thompson.
IMO he was the clearest thinking sports person in our rich history – and a great man who loved and helped golf in Australia. pic.twitter.com/iz9BwoKXaP

— Mark Allen (@MarkAllenGolf) June 20, 2018

Another said: “Wasn’t around to see Peter Thomson at his best but will never forget the role he played in that 1998 Presidents Cup and wanting to learn more about him. Sad to hear the news of his passing”.

A third added: “At a time when the word legend is too easily thrown about, Peter Thomson was and always will be a true legend of Australian golf. Vale a true gentleman”.

Wasn't around to see Peter Thompson at his best but will never forget the role he played in that 1998 Presidents Cup and wanting to learn more about him. Sad to hear the news of his passing.

— Lachie Young (@lachie_young) June 20, 2018

He is survived by his wife, Mary, son, Andrew, daughters Deirdre, Pan and Fiona and their spouses. He was also a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren.

Do you have a message for Peter Thomson’s family? Do you remember watching him play golf?