Who's who: Tom Watson

  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Prince's GC, England
  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Terras da Comporta, Dunas
  • Monte Rei G&CC
  • Marco Simone GC (Italy); host of the Ryder Cup 2023
  • Pebble Beach host of the US Open; US Women's Open; Pebble Beach Pro-Am
  • Marco Simone GC

Who's who: Tom Watson

  • Name:

    Thomas Sturges Watson
  • Country:

    USA
  • Born:

    Sept 4, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Original/Home Club:

    Kansas City, Missouri
  • Occupation:

    Professional golfer, golf course designer, golf swing analyst and writer.
  • Turned Pro:

    1971
  • Website:

    https://www.tomwatson.com

Roll of Honour

MAJORS (8). Senior MAJORS (6). Ryder Cup player (1977, '81, '83, '89). Ryder Cup captain (1993, 2014). Total professional wins (70), including PGA Tour (39), Champions Tour (14) and Japan Tour (4). PGA Tour leading money winner (1977, '78, '79, '80, '84). Champions Tour leading money winner (2003). Charles Schwab Cup winner (2003, '05). Old Tom Morris Award (1992, GCSAA). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 1988).

Golf course design

Tom Watson has designed several golf courses, which include, but are not limited to: Ballybunion, Old course (Ireland, 1995 improvements); Hammock Beach, Conservatory course (SC); Kiawah Island, Cassique course (SC); National GC of Kansas City (Kan); Phoenix Resort (Japan); Reunion Resort, Independence course (FL); Shadow Glen (Kan, with Weiskopf & Morrish); Spanish Bay (Calif, with RTJ Jr & Sandy Tatum).

Did you know?

With eight major championship wins and 39 victories on the PGA Tour, and many other international wins, Tom Watson is one of the greatest players of the modern game.

Top tournaments won by Tom Watson

2011
Majors
278 (-10)
$360,000
KitchenAid

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

278 (-10)

Prize money

$360,000

Title sponsor

KitchenAid

The Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid (May 26-29). Watson (USA) beat David Eger (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole to claim his sixth senior major title and 14th overall major. [Valhalla GC, Louisville, KY].

2011
America
7 skins
$310,000
Wendy's

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

7 skins

Prize money

$310,000

Title sponsor

Wendy's

Played as the (last) Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 29/30; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Defending champions Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 7 skins worth $310,000. Second was Mark O'Meara & Bernhard Langer (Ger) 7 skins worth $300,000. Joint-Third was Fuzzy Zoeller & Ben Crenshaw and Fred Couples & Nick Price (Zim) 2 skins worth $80,000. (All players from USA unless mentioned otherwise). [Royal Ka'anapali GC, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii].

2010
America
10 skins
$350,000
Wendy's

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

10 skins

Prize money

$350,000

Title sponsor

Wendy's

Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 16/17; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 10 skins worth $350,000. Second was Fuzzy Zoeller & Ben Crenshaw 5 skins worth $230,000. Third was Fred Couples & Nick Price (Zim) 3 skins worth $190,000. Gary Player (RSA) & Loren Roberts were shutout with no skins. (All players from USA unless indicated otherwise). [Royal Ka'anapali GC, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii].

2010
America
194 (-22)
$315,000
Mitsubishi

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

194 (-22)

Prize money

$315,000

Title sponsor

Mitsubishi

Played as the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai (Jan 22-24; Champions Tour season-opener). Second-placed Fred Couples (USA) finished 1 shot behind 60-year-old Tom Watson (USA), who became the 13th oldest Champions Tour winner. [Hualālai course, Hualālai Resort, Big Island, Hawaii].

2008
America
204 (-9)
$255,000
Outback Steakhouse

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

204 (-9)

Prize money

$255,000

Title sponsor

Outback Steakhouse

Played as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am (April 18-20). Second-placed Jay Haas (USA) and Scott Hoch (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Watson (USA). [TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz, nr Tampa, FL].

2008
America
185 (-31)
$225,000
Liberty Mutual

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

185 (-31)

Prize money

$225,000

Title sponsor

Liberty Mutual

Played as the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (April 25-27; two-man better-ball team event for the first time since 2001). Second-placed Jeff Sluman (USA) & Craig Stadler (USA) finished 1 shot behind Tom Watson (USA) & Andy North (USA). [Savannah Harbor Resort, Savannah, GA].

2007
Majors
284 (E)
€234,640
Aberdeen Asset Mgt

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

284 (E)

Prize money

€234,640

Title sponsor

Aberdeen Asset Mgt

The Senior Open Championship presented by Aberdeen Asset Management (21st) (July 26-29). Second-placed Mark O'Meara (USA) and Stewart Ginn (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA), who claimed his third British Senior Open win in 5 years and his 13th major championship title. [Muirfield - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, East Lothian].

2007
America
9 skins
$320,000
Wendy's

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

9 skins

Prize money

$320,000

Title sponsor

Wendy's

Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 13/14; unofficial Champions Tr money event; four 2-man teams; alternate shot format). Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson won with a total of 9 skins worth $320,000. Second was Gary Player (RSA) & Jay Haas 6 skins worth $290,000. Third was Arnold Palmer & Loren Roberts 1 skin worth $100,000. Fourth was Ray Floyd & Dana Quigley 2 skins worth $60,000. (All players from USA unless indicated otherwise). [Gold course, Wailea GC, Maui, Hawaii].

2007
America
209 (-4)
$240,000
Outback Steakhouse

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

209 (-4)

Prize money

$240,000

Title sponsor

Outback Steakhouse

Played as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am (Feb 16-18). Second-placed Jay Haas (USA) and Andy Bean (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz, nr Tampa, FL].

2005
Majors
280 (-4)
€229,850
Aberdeen Asset Mgt

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

280 (-4)

Prize money

€229,850

Title sponsor

Aberdeen Asset Mgt

The Senior British Open Championship presented by Aberdeen Asset Management (19th) (July 21-24). Watson (USA) beat Des Smyth (Ire) at the third playoff hole, to claim his second Senior British Open title. [Royal Aberdeen GC, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen].

2005
America
272 (-16)
$440,000
Charles Schwab

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Sonoma

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

$440,000

Title sponsor

Charles Schwab

Played as the Charles Schwab Cup Championship (Oct 27-30; Champions Tour season-ending event). Second-placed Jay Haas (USA) finished 1 shot behind Tom Watson (USA), whose final round 64 (-8) overhauled the six-shot lead Haas had going into the final round. [Sonoma GC, Sonoma, California].

2005
Awards
2980 pts
$1,000,000
Charles Schwab

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

2980 pts

Prize money

$1,000,000

Title sponsor

Charles Schwab

Watson (USA) won the Champions Tour season-long points chase, to capture his second Charles Schwab Cup and $1 million annuity cheque. Dana Quigley (USA) was second with 2733 pts. Mark McNulty (Ire) was third with 2210 pts. The Cup is awarded based on points earned for top 10 finishes during the Champions Tour season.

2004
America
10 skins
$400,000
Wendy's

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

10 skins

Prize money

$400,000

Title sponsor

Wendy's

Played as Wendy's Champions Skins Game (Jan 31/Feb 1; four-man Champions Tr unofficial money event). Watson (USA) won with a total of 10 skins worth $400,000. Second was Arnold Palmer (USA) 5 skins worth $140,000. Third was Jack Nicklaus (USA) 3 skins worth $60,000. Lee Trevino (USA) was shutout with no skins. [Gold course, Wailea GC, Maui, Hawaii].

2003
Awards
4751 pts
$1,000,000
Charles Schwab

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

4751 pts

Prize money

$1,000,000

Title sponsor

Charles Schwab

Watson (USA) won the Champions Tour season-long points chase, to capture the Charles Schwab Cup and $1 million annuity cheque. Jim Thorpe (USA) was second with 3381 pts; Bruce Lietzke (USA) was third with 2867 pts. The Cup is awarded based on points earned for top 10 finishes during the Champions Tour season.

2003
Awards
68.81
n/a
Champions Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

68.81

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Champions Tr

Watson (USA) won the Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the Champions Tour. Craig Stadler (USA) was second with 69.38; Hale Irwin (USA) was third with 69.59.

2003
Awards
$1,853,108
see Score
Champions Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$1,853,108

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Champions Tr

Watson (USA) won the Arnold Palmer Award as the Champions Tour 2003 leading money winner, with earnings of $1,853,108 on the Tour. Jim Thorpe (USA) was second with $1,830,306; Gil Morgan (USA) was third with $1,620,206.

2003
Majors
273 (-15)
$330,000
JELD-WEN

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$330,000

Title sponsor

JELD-WEN

Played as the JELD-WEN Tradition (Aug 28-31). Second-placed Gil Morgan (USA), Tom Kite (USA) and Jim Ahern (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [South course, The Reserve Vineyards & GC, Aloha, nr Portland, OR].

2003
Majors
263 (-17)
€222,779
Mastercard

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

263 (-17)

Prize money

€222,779

Title sponsor

Mastercard

The Senior British Open presented by MasterCard (17th) (July 24-27; recognised for the first time as a senior major championship). Watson (USA) beat Carl Mason (Eng) at the second playoff hole. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].

2003
Awards
x
n/a
Champions Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Champions Tr

Watson (USA) won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the Champions Tour Player of the Year, based on the votes of his peers.

2002
America
Gaillardia G&CC
274 (-14)
$440,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Gaillardia G&CC

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$440,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Senior Tour Championship at Gaillardia (Oct 24-27; Senior PGA Tour season-ending event). Second-placed Gil Morgan (USA) finished 2 shots behind Tom Watson (USA), who won this event for the second time in three years. [Gaillardia G&CC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma].

2001
Majors
274 (-14)
$360,000
PGA of America

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$360,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the Senior PGA Championship (May 25-27). Second-placed Jim Thorpe (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [Ridgewood CC, Paramus, NJ].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

4 & 2

Prize money

$100,000

Title sponsor

Hyundai

Played as the Hyundai Team Matches (Dec 16-17; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Defending champions Jack Nicklaus (USA) & Tom Watson (USA) beat Bruce Fleisher (USA) & David Graham (Aus) 4 and 2 in the final of the Snr PGA Tour matches. [North course, Pelican Hill GC, Newport Beach, CA].

2000
America
270 (-18)
$365,000
Ingersoll-Rand

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$365,000

Title sponsor

Ingersoll-Rand

Played as the Ingersoll-Rand Senior Tour Championship (Nov 2-5; Senior PGA Tour season-ending event). Second-placed John Jacobs (USA) finished 1 shot behind Tom Watson (USA), who recorded his second win on the Tour. [TPC Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina].

1999
America
Bent Tree CC, TX
196 (-20)
$195,000
Bank One

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Bent Tree CC, TX

Score

196 (-20)

Prize money

$195,000

Title sponsor

Bank One

Played as the inaugural Bank One Championship (Sept 17-19). Second-placed Bruce Summerhays (USA) finished 5 shots behind first-time Snr PGA Tour winner Watson (USA). [Bent Tree CC, Dallas, Texas].

1999
America
59 (-12)
$165,000
Gillette

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

59 (-12)

Prize money

$165,000

Title sponsor

Gillette

Played as the Gillette Tour Challenge (Oct 5; unofficial money best-ball event involving eight teams that comprised a PGA Tr, LPGA Tr and Snr PGA Tr player). The team of Graham Marsh (Aus), Dottie Pepper (USA) & Tom Watson (USA) beat second-placed team of Jeff Sluman (USA), Nancy Lopez (USA) & Dana Quigley (USA) in a one-shot nearest-the-pin playoff (208-yard par-3 17th). [Mid Ocean Club, Tucker's Town, Bermuda].

1999
America
1 up
$100,000
Diners Club

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

1 up

Prize money

$100,000

Title sponsor

Diners Club

Played as the Diners Club Matches (Dec 11/12; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Jack Nicklaus (USA) & Tom Watson (USA) beat Bruce Fleisher (USA) & David Graham (Aus) by 1 hole in the final of the Snr PGA Tour matches. [North course, Pelican Hill GC, Newport Beach, CA].

1998
America
265 (-15)
$414,000
Master Card

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

265 (-15)

Prize money

$414,000

Title sponsor

Master Card

Played as the MasterCard Colonial (May 21-24). Second-placed Jim Furyk (USA) finished 2 shots behind 48-year-old Tom Watson (USA), who recorded the last of his 39 PGA Tour wins. [Colonial CC, Ft Worth, TX].

1997
Japan
275 (-9)
¥36million
Dunlop

Category

Japan

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

275 (-9)

Prize money

¥36million

Title sponsor

Dunlop

Played as the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament (Nov 20-23; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki (Jpn) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA), who won this event for the second time ... 17 years after the first. This was the last of Watson's four Japan Tour wins. [Phoenix CC, Miyazaki, Japan].

1996
America
274 (-14)
$324,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$324,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 30-Jun 2). Second-placed David Duval (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].

1994
America
6 skins
$210,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

6 skins

Prize money

$210,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Skins Game ((Nov 26/27; four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). Watson (USA) won with a total of 6 skins worth $210,000. Second was Fred Couples (USA) 5 skins worth $170,000. Third was Paul Azinger (USA) 4 skins worth $80,000 and defending champion Payne Stewart (USA) 3 skins worth $80,000. [Mountains course, Bighorn GC, Palm Desert, California].

1992
Asia
274 (-10)
US$41,650
Hutchison Telecom

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

274 (-10)

Prize money

US$41,650

Title sponsor

Hutchison Telecom

Played as the Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong Open. Second-placed Ronan Rafferty (N.Ire) finished 3 shots behind Watson (USA). [Hong Kong GC, Fanling; composite of 10 holes from Eden course, 8 from the New; at the time known as Royal Hong Kong GC].

1987
America
268 (-12)
$360,000
Nabisco

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

268 (-12)

Prize money

$360,000

Title sponsor

Nabisco

Played as the inaugural Nabisco Championships of Golf (Oct 29-Nov 1; became the Tour Championship in 1991). Second-placed Chip Beck (USA) finished 2 shots behind Tom Watson (USA), who recorded the 37th of his 39 PGA Tour wins. [Oak Hills CC, San Antonio, TX].

1984
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his sixth PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1984
America
274 (-14)
$72,000
MONY

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$72,000

Title sponsor

MONY

Played as the MONY Tournament of Champions (May 3-6). Second-placed Bruce Lietzke (USA) finished 5 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded the last of three wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].

1984
America
2 & 1
$100,000
Seiko

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

2 & 1

Prize money

$100,000

Title sponsor

Seiko

Played as the Seiko-Tucson Match Play Championship (Jan 5-8; first year played in match play format; PGA Tour season-opener). Tom Watson (USA) beat defending champion Gil Morgan (USA) by 2 and 1 in the final, to record his second win in this event. [North course, Randolph GC, Tucson, AZ].

1984
Japan
Sobu CC
135 (-7)
US$20,000
Uchida Yoko

Category

Japan

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Sobu CC

Score

135 (-7)

Prize money

US$20,000

Title sponsor

Uchida Yoko

Played as the Uchida Yoko Cup Japan vs USA Match (Nov 1-4; Japan Tr event; individual low score winner). Second-placed Mark O'Meara (USA) and Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki (Jpn) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [Sobu course, Sobu CC, Inzai, Chiba, Japan].

1984
Awards
$476,260
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$476,260

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Watson (USA) won his fifth PGA Tour leading money winner title (and associated Arnold Palmer Award), with 1984 season earnings of $476,260 on the Tour. Mark O'Meara (USA) was second with $465,873; Andy Bean (USA) was third with $422,995.

1984
Aus/NZ
281 (-7)
A$36,000
Natl Panasonic

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

281 (-7)

Prize money

A$36,000

Title sponsor

Natl Panasonic

Played as the National Panasonic Australian Open (Nov 15-18). Second-placed Bob Stanton (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].

1984
America
280 (-8)
$72,000
WGA

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

280 (-8)

Prize money

$72,000

Title sponsor

WGA

Played as the Western Open (July 5-8). Tom Watson (USA) beat Greg Norman (Aus) with a birdie at the third playoff hole, to record the last of his three wins in this event. [Butler National GC, Oak Brook, IL].

1983
Majors
275 (-9)
£40,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

275 (-9)

Prize money

£40,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (112th) (July 14-17). Second-placed Hale Irwin (USA) and Andy Bean (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Watson (USA). This was the last of Watson's five Open Championship wins. [Royal Birkdale GC, Southport, Merseyside].

1982
Majors
282 (-6)
$60,000
USGA

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

282 (-6)

Prize money

$60,000

Title sponsor

USGA

The US Open (82nd) (June 17-20). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA). [Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA].

1982
America
280 (-4)
$54,000
Sea Pines

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

280 (-4)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

Sea Pines

Played as the Sea Pines Heritage Classic (March 25-28). Watson (USA) beat Frank Conner (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole, to record his thirtieth PGA Tour win. [Harbour Town Links, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC].

1982
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his fifth PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1982
America
271 (-13)
$54,000
Glen Campbell

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

271 (-13)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

Glen Campbell

Played as the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open (Feb 18-21). Watson (USA) beat defending champion Johnny Miller (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole, to win this event for the second time in three years. [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].

1982
Majors
284 (-4)
£32,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

284 (-4)

Prize money

£32,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (111th) (July 15-18). Second-placed Peter Oosterhuis (Eng) and Nick Price (Zim) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA), who recorded back-to-back major championship wins, and the fourth of his five wins in The Open. [Old Course, Royal Troon GC, Troon, Ayrshire].

1981
America
Atlanta CC
277 (-11)
$54,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Atlanta CC

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Atlanta Classic (June 4-7). Watson (USA) beat Tommy Valentine (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole. [Atlanta CC, Marietta, Georgia].

1981
Majors
280 (-8)
$60,000
x

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

280 (-8)

Prize money

$60,000

Title sponsor

x

The Masters Tournament (45th) (April 9-12). Second-placed Johnny Miller (USA) and Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded his second Masters win. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

1981
America
270 (-18)
$63,000
USF&G

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$63,000

Title sponsor

USF&G

Played as the USF&G New Orleans Open (April 23-26). Second-placed Bruce Fleisher (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Tom Watson (USA). [Lakewood GC, New Orleans, LA].

1980
America
276 (-8)
$45,000
Glen Campbell

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

276 (-8)

Prize money

$45,000

Title sponsor

Glen Campbell

Played as the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open (Feb 21-24). Second-placed Bob Gilder (USA) and Don January (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA), who recorded his 20th PGA Tour win. [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].

1980
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his fourth straight PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1980
Majors
271 (-13)
£25,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

271 (-13)

Prize money

£25,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (109th) (July 17-20). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 4 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded the third of his five Open Championship wins. [Muirfield - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, East Lothian].

1980
America
Preston Trail
274 (-6)
$54,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Preston Trail

Score

274 (-6)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 8-11). Second-placed Bill Rogers (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA), who recorded his third PGA Tour win in the space of four weeks, and his third straight win in this event. Rogers was runner-up to Watson in this event for the second straight year. [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].

1980
Japan
282 (-6)
¥12million
Dunlop

Category

Japan

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

282 (-6)

Prize money

¥12million

Title sponsor

Dunlop

Played as the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament (Nov 20-23; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Mike Reid (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA), whose first prize equated to $52,173. [Phoenix CC, Miyazaki, Japan].

1980
America
275 (-13)
$45,000
Andy Williams

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

$45,000

Title sponsor

Andy Williams

Played as the Andy Williams San Diego Open Invitational (Jan 24-27). Watson (USA) beat D.A. Weibring (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole, to win this event for the second time. [South course, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA].

1980
America
276 (-12)
$54,000
MONY

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

MONY

Played as the MONY Tournament of Champions (April 17-20). Second-placed Jim Colbert (USA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Watson (USA), who recorded the second of his three wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].

1980
Awards
$530,808
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$530,808

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Watson (USA) won his fourth straight PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1980 season earnings of $530,808 on the Tour. Lee Trevino (USA) was second with $385,814; Curtis Strange (USA) was third with $271,888.

1980
America
270 (-10)
$100,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

270 (-10)

Prize money

$100,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the World Series of Golf (Aug 21-24). Second-placed Raymond Floyd (USA) finished 2 shots behind Tom Watson (USA), who recorded his 25th PGA Tour win. [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].

1980
America
273 (-15)
$45,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$45,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater New Orleans Open (April 24-27). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 2 shots behind Tom Watson (USA), who recorded back-to-back PGA Tour wins. [Lakewood GC, New Orleans, LA].

1979
America
272 (-12)
$45,000
Colgate

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

272 (-12)

Prize money

$45,000

Title sponsor

Colgate

Played as the Colgate Hall of Fame Classic (Aug 23-26). Defending champion Watson (USA) beat Johnny Miller (USA) with a par at the second playoff hole. [No.2 course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].

1979
Awards
70.27
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

70.27

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his third straight PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

1979
America
270 (-14)
$54,000
Sea Pines

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

270 (-14)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

Sea Pines

Played as the Sea Pines Heritage Classic (Mar 29-Apr 1). Second-placed Ed Sneed (USA) finished 5 shots behind Watson (USA). [Harbour Town Links, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC].

1979
America
275 (-13)
$54,000
MONY

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

MONY

Played as the MONY Tournament of Champions (April 19-22). Second-placed Bruce Lietzke (USA) and Jerry Pate (USA) finished 6 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded the first of his three wins in this event. [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

285 (-3)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 24-27). Second-placed Miller Barber (USA) finished 3 shots behind Watson (USA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].

1979
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his third straight PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1979
Awards
$462,636
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$462,636

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Watson (USA) won his third straight PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1979 season earnings of $462,636. Larry Nelson (USA) was second with $281,022; Lon Hinkle (USA) was third with $247,393.

1979
America
Preston Trail
275 (-5)
$54,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Preston Trail

Score

275 (-5)

Prize money

$54,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 10-13). Defending champion Watson (USA) beat Bill Rogers (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].

1978
Awards
70.16
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

70.16

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his second straight PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

1978
America
274 (-14)
$40,000
Joe Garagiola

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

Joe Garagiola

Played as the Joe Garagiola Tucson Open (Jan 5-8). Second-placed Bobby Wadkins (USA) finished 3 shots behind Tom Watson (USA). [Catalina course, Tucson National Resort, Tucson, AZ].

1978
America
Preston Trail
272 (-8)
$40,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Preston Trail

Score

272 (-8)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (25th) (May 4-7). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].

1978
America
270 (-18)
$40,000
Anheuser-Busch

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

Anheuser-Busch

Played as the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic (Sept 21-24). Second-placed Ed Sneed (USA) finished 3 shots behind Tom Watson (USA). [North course, Silverado Resort, Napa, CA].

1978
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won his second straight PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1978
America
280 (-8)
$45,000
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

280 (-8)

Prize money

$45,000

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 21-24). Defending champion Watson (USA) beat Ben Crenshaw (USA) with a par at the second playoff hole, to claim his tenth PGA Tour title. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Spyglass Hill GC].

1978
Awards
$362,429
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$362,429

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Watson (USA) won his second straight PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1978 season earnings of $362,429 on the Tour. Gil Morgan (USA) was second with $267,459; Andy Bean (USA) was third with $267,241, just over $200 behind Morgan.

1978
America
277 (-7)
$50,000
Colgate

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

277 (-7)

Prize money

$50,000

Title sponsor

Colgate

Played as the Colgate Hall of Fame Classic (Aug 24-27). Second-placed Tom Kite (USA), Howard Twitty (USA) and defending champion Hale Irwin (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [No.2 course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].

1977
America
269 (-19)
$36,000
Andy Williams

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

269 (-19)

Prize money

$36,000

Title sponsor

Andy Williams

Played as the Andy Williams San Diego Open Invitational (Jan 27-30). Second-placed Larry Nelson (USA) and John Schroeder (USA) finished 5 shots behind Watson (USA). [South course, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA].

1977
Majors
268 (-12)
£10,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

268 (-12)

Prize money

£10,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (106th) (July 6-9). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). The Ailsa Course provided the setting for Watson's famous "duel in the sun" with Nicklaus. This was the second of Watson's five Open Championship wins. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].

1977
America
283 (-5)
$40,000
WGA

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

283 (-5)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

WGA

Played as the Western Open (June 23-26). Second-placed Wally Armstrong (USA) and Johnny Miller (USA) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA), who recorded the second of his three wins in this event. [Butler National GC, Oak Brook, IL].

1977
Majors
276 (-12)
$40,000
x

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

x

The Masters Tournament (41st) (April 7-10). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA). This was the first of Watson's two Masters wins, secured after another epic last-day battle with Jack Nicklaus. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

1977
Awards
70.32
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

70.32

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

1977
America
273 (-15)
$40,000
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 20-23). Second-placed Tony Jacklin (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Watson (USA). [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Monterey Peninsula CC (Shore course)].

1977
Awards
$310,653
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

$310,653

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Watson (USA) was the PGA Tour 1977 leading money winner, with earnings of $310,653 on the Tour. Jack Nicklaus (USA) was second with $284,509; Lanny Wadkins was third with $244,882.

1977
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Watson (USA) won the PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).

1976
Japan
Harima CC
277 (-11)
US$20,000
x

Category

Japan

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Harima CC

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

US$20,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the United States-Japan Tournament (Dec 2-5; Japan Tr event; individual low score winner). Second-placed Isao Aoki (Jpn) finished 3 shots behind Watson (USA), who claimed the first of his four Japan Tour wins. [Harima CC, Ono, Hyogo, Japan].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

140 (E)

Prize money

$50,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the World Series of Golf (Sept 6/7; unofficial four-man 36-hole exhibition event for the season's four major championship winners ... or substitutes). First (on 140): Tom Watson (USA; British Open). Second (142): Jack Nicklaus (USA; Masters and US PGA). Third (145): Tom Weiskopf (USA; Canadian Open). Fourth (147): Lou Graham (USA; US Open). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].

1975
America
Preston Trail
269 (-19)
$35,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Venue

Preston Trail

Score

269 (-19)

Prize money

$35,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 9-12). Second-placed Bob Smith (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].

1975
Majors
279 (-5)
£7,500
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

279 (-5)

Prize money

£7,500

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (104th) (July 9-12). Making his Open Championship debut, 25-year old Watson (USA) beat Jack Newton (Aus) in an 18-hole playoff: Watson 71 (-1), Newton 72 (E). This was the first of Watson's five Open Championship wins. [Championship Course, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus].

1974
America
287 (+3)
$40,000
WGA

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Watson, Tom

Score

287 (+3)

Prize money

$40,000

Title sponsor

WGA

Played as the Western Open (June 27-30). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) and J.C. Snead (USA) finished 2 shots behind Tom Watson (USA), who recorded the first of his 39 PGA Tour wins. [Butler National GC, Oak Brook, IL].

Find a course

Or

Tournaments

Ryder Cup: Rome plays host to the first ever Ryder Cup to be staged in Italy, with the USA defending golf’s greatest team trophy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Sept 29-Oct 1).

Solheim Cup: also in September, also in southern Europe, the 18th Solheim Cup will be contested at Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, with Europe defending after their surprise win in Toledo, Inverness Club (Ohio) in 2021 (Sept 22-24). 

Who's Who

Céline Boutier: with many successes as both an amateur and professional golfer, Boutier added a major championship title to her impressive résumé at this year’s Evian Championship.

Alex Cejka: buffeted by rain and high winds, especially on the high-scoring final day, Čejka prevailed over Pádraig Harrington in a playoff at Royal Porthcawl, to scoop the Senior Open Championship title.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.

Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.

Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available

Popular videos

You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.

Hamburger GC - Falkenstein, Germany

WINSTONgolf - Links course

Littlestone Golf Club (Kent, UK)