Tributes flow for Australian golf legend Peter Thomson

Arguably Australia’s greatest golfer Peter Thomson passed away this morning at age 88.

After battling Parkinson’s Disease for the later period of his life, Peter Thomson passed away at his home in Melbourne, this morning, and not surprisingly the tributes are flowing for one of Australia’s greatest-ever sportspeople.

The memories, stories and accolades have been coming from some of the best in golf and also from some of the best in golf media of which Thomson was an integral part when he finished playing golf.

Here are some of them.

Firstly, if you haven’t watched the video above from the PGA of Australia, do so now.

Martin Blake does a wonderful job of summarizing Thomson’s life for Farifax Media including this gem of a quote from Thomson:

“But making golf a science and insisting that people study it, they get the feeling ‘this is difficult’. Whereas really, they should consider it easy because it is. It’s just whacking a ball, for goodness sakes.”

And Mike Clayton penned a great article at Golf Australia including one of Thomson’s most famous lines he wrote during his time as a writer for The Age:

“After the 1977 Australian Open on the newly redesigned Jack Nicklaus he headlined a column in The Age with ‘Packer money wasted’ and likened the new ponds as being as American ‘as fins on Cadillac’s’. It didn’t endear him to the media mogul who had financed the alterations but he was absolutely right.”

Blake’s tweet from a snap from Thomson’s book gives you a good idea of his no-nonsense approach to golf.

Exactly. pic.twitter.com/Z64wsSWqml

— Martin Blake (@martinj_blake) June 20, 2018

And Clayton adding more on Thomson’s simple approach to golf:

Peter Fowler – 83 Aust Open and 89 World Cup winner- once asked Peter Thomson how he could improve his game. “Shoot lower scores,Peter”. He was angry for ages until he finally realised what a great piece of advice it was. What he was saying was: “stop obsessing with your swing”’

— Michael Clayton (@MichaelClayto15) June 20, 2018

Tom Morris’ piece at FoxSports is a must-read opening with this fun story:

In 1979 Peter William Thomson was commissioned to do a short golf masterclass video alongside up and coming Melbourne-based pro Bruce Green.

The video would be played during breaks in play on ABC’s coverage of the Australian Open.

But after filming it, the producer nervously sauntered up to the five-time British Open winner and told him there was not enough content for it to go to air.

After some convincing, the ABC producer put the short clip on during the Australian Open and Thomson was inundated with literally thousands of calls and letters.

Channel 7’s report and tribute to the passing of Thomson:

He was arguably Australia’s greatest golfer. Peter Thomson is being remembered for his prowess on the fairways and as a true gentleman. @JimWilsonTV #7News pic.twitter.com/JTlbh5fse5

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) June 20, 2018

This tweet from Mark Allen showing off Thomson’s prowess at Royal Melbourne:

So good…
RIP
pic.twitter.com/ykxeAYHlfi

— Mark Allen (@MarkAllenGolf) June 20, 2018

This majestic photo that Adrian Logue dug up from FairFax Media:

10 majors between them.

Photo: @FairfaxMedia pic.twitter.com/dAApyTflUo

— Adrian Logue (@AdrianLogue) June 20, 2018

And this:

Peter Thomson on the life of a golfer. Brilliant story… pic.twitter.com/bRMKFJtakF

— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) June 20, 2018

And plenty of tributes from golf organisations across the world and some of the world’s best golfers:

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

My official statement on the passing of Australian golf legend Peter Thomson. pic.twitter.com/jAF88VhgM7

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) June 20, 2018

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Open legend, Peter Thomson CBE. Our deepest sympathies are with his family.

Peter was a five time Champion Golfer of the Year first winning at Royal Birkdale in 1954. pic.twitter.com/tZizuKAM1A — The Open (@TheOpen) June 20, 2018

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and Australian flags fly at half mast at The 123rd Amateur Championship at Royal Aberdeen as a mark of respect to the late Peter Thomson. pic.twitter.com/FLSRc4LjXZ

— The R&A (@RandA) June 20, 2018

Peter Thomson was a truly wonderful golfer & a fine global ambassador for our game. His contribution to golf will not be forgotten. In addition he was the most intellectual & best read player I ever met. My condolences to his family & friends. Rest In Peace Thomo. GP

— Gary Player (@garyplayer) June 20, 2018

We are sad to learn of the passing of Australian golfing great Peter Thomson.

Thomson was the first Australian to win @TheOpen where he went on to secure the title 5 times, a record equalled only by @TomWatsonPGA

He also captured a whopping nine New Zealand Open titles! #RIP pic.twitter.com/QJYwf9YKrk

— New Zealand Golf (@nzgolf) June 20, 2018

Woke up to sad news that an icon of our game passed away. Peter Thomson will be sorely missed and my family and I pass on our condolences. Peter gave all Australian golfers something to aspire to both on the golf course and off it. His stamp on our game won’t be forgotten.

— Jason Day (@JDayGolf) June 20, 2018

Will never forget Thomo telling us in the St Andrews press tent he had backed John Daly to win the 1995 Open at 80/1. “He’ll hit it over all the hazards and has a very nice short game”. Daly was already a train wreck and we just scoffed. Thomo lined up at Ladbrokes on Monday.

— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) June 20, 2018

Australia has lost a golfing legend and my hero. My heart felt condolences to his lovely wife Mary, also Deirdre, Andrew, Pan, Fiona and families. Peter – my friend and mentor R.I.P. Australian golf thanks you for your iconic presence & valuable guidance over the years.

— Ian Baker-Finch (@IBFinchy) June 20, 2018

So sad to hear news today of the passing of Peter Thomson, five-time @TheOpen champion and winning @PresidentsCup captain. Golf has lost a true legend and one of sport’s real gentlemen. My thoughts & condolences to his family.

— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) June 20, 2018

Very sad to hear of the passing of Mr Peter Thomson, 5 X champion golfer of the year but more importantly a true gentleman of the game

— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) June 20, 2018

Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Australia’s greatest golfing champion Peter Thompson, I was very fortunate that Mr Thompson took an interest in my game and had some great advice over the years. #RIPThommo

— Rod Pampling (@RodPampling) June 20, 2018

RIP Peter Thomson. Lucky enough to spend some time chatting about the game with the great man and I’ve cherished his advice ever since. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family #legend

— Nick O’Hern (@nickohern) June 20, 2018