Tom Weiskopf, winner of the 1973 Open Championship, whose abilities translated from a powerful taking part in profession to important acclaim as a golf course designer, has died on the age of 79.
Weiskopf had been battling pancreatic most cancers after being recognized with the illness in late 2020, and died at his residence in Montana, USA on August 20. He had been working on target design tasks up till per week earlier than his dying.
Born in Ohio in 1942, and a graduate of Ohio State College, Weiskopf gained 16 occasions on the PGA Tour between 1968 and 1982. He completed second within the Masters 4 occasions, and in 71 main begins he posted 21 top-10 finishes and 12 within the top-five. His lone main title got here within the 1973 Open at Troon the place he defeated reigning US Open champion Johnny Miller and Neil Coles by three strokes. After turning 50, he gained one other 4 titles on the Champions Tour, together with the 1995 US Senior Open.
Certainly one of Weiskopf’s emblems design options was the drivable par 4, the inspiration for which he mentioned got here from taking part in the Outdated Course at St Andrews, the place he may drive 4 of the par 4s, relying on the wind.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan mentioned in a press release: “The PGA Tour is saddened on the passing of Tom Weiskopf, a towering determine within the recreation of golf not solely throughout his taking part in profession, however by his achieved work within the broadcast sales space and golf course design enterprise. Tom is abandoning an enduring legacy in golf. The gorgeous swing he showcased remains to be being emulated, whereas his golf programs stay as testaments to his love for the sport.”
Among the many many tributes paid on social media, Tony Jacklin tweeted: “Tom Weiskopf, as a lot as anyone was liable for me with the ability to win the 1969 Open and 1970 US Open. The affect of being round his swing through the lates Sixties had immeasurable penalties for me. Our friendship by no means faltered!”
Former PGA Tour participant and ex-Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton wrote: “So unhappy to listen to about Tom Weiskopf passing. He had an important swing and was fairly the competitor. I performed with him many occasions within the 80’s and I all the time realized one thing.”
