Golf legend · World Golf Hall of Fame
Tom Watson
Watson won eight majors, including five Opens, and repeatedly met Jack Nicklaus at the decisive moments of championship golf.
Ask HH about Tom Watson
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Country
- United States
- Professional majors
- 8
- PGA TOUR wins
- 39
- Open titles
- 5
- Masters titles
- 1977 and 1981
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- 1988Enshrinement year listed by the Hall
THE STORY
What to know
The links champion
His five Opens came between 1975 and 1983. They anchor a major record completed by two Masters and the 1982 U.S. Open.
The Duel in the Sun
At Turnberry in 1977, Watson's closing 65–65 beat Nicklaus's 65–66. Their head-to-head contest became a defining championship encounter.
Making a score from trouble
The Hall emphasizes his scrambling and fearless putting. The famous chip-in at Pebble Beach's 17th in 1982 turned those strengths into a U.S. Open victory.
Sustained excellence
Six Player of the Year awards beginning in 1977 reflect more than isolated major wins. He remained a TOUR winner through the 1998 Colonial.
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
First Open
Began his five-title run.
Masters and Open
Won two majors in one season.
Pebble Beach
Won his only U.S. Open.
HH TAKE
Why this profile is worth exploring
Watson makes recovery golf worth studying. A round can remain competitive even when the route to the green is imperfect; the next shot still counts.