Hailing from Massillon, Ohio, Thomas Clark Weiskopf, better known as Tom Weiskopf, changed the face of golf in the modern era. His towering presence on the golfing platform wasn’t just limited to his height alone but extended to his significant contributions to the sport as well. Bursting onto the golf scene in the late 60s and continuing through the prime years of the 70s, Tom Weiskopf architected a career that is remembered by millions of golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Born on November 9, 1942, Tom Weiskopf’s golf journey began with his education at Ohio State University. Brasen with the Buckeye spirit in collegiate golf, Weiskopf quickly carved a niche for himself in the world of amateur golf. After turning professional in 1964, it took just a few years for him to stamp his authority on the golfing charts.
Weiskopf’s undeniable talent was first recognized in 1968 when he won the Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational, marking the beginning of an illustrious career infused with 16 PGA Tour wins, 13 international tournament victories, and four Champions Tour triumphs. His career year, undeniably, was 1973, a season he conquered like no other. His victory tally that year includes five wins on the PGA Tour which also saw him reaching the pinnacle of his career by winning The Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Tom’s precise long iron play, beautiful swing, and powerful long game, including his ability to strike the ball particular distances, especially with the driver, were aspects that set him apart from the competition. Though he had a near-immaculate golfing skill set, his volatility on the course was a glaring subtext of his career. Known for his fiery temperament, his emotional reactions often overshadowed his golfing prowess, proving detrimental in some crucial junctures of his career.
Despite his robust game, the Masters Tournament remained an elusive piece in his career puzzle. Ironically, Weiskopf is remembered by many for his 7-under-par 65 in the first round of the 1980 Masters, a score that equaled the then-record. Yet, a Masters title always evaded him, making him one of the ‘Best Never to Win The Masters’. He finished as a runner-up to Jack Nicklaus in 1975, arguably his closest brush to a Masters win.
Weiskopf’s golfing journey continued on the Champions Tour or the Senior PGA Tour as some may know it. Between 1993 and 2000, he won four tournaments including one senior major, the 1995 US Senior Open. His was a career that struck an ideal balance between triumphs and heartbreaks, as would be the case with any notable sportsman.
But Weiskopf’s connection to golf didn’t end with his playing career. He traded his clubs for a designer’s hat following retirement and now he is as celebrated for his golf course designs as he was for his swings. With over 65 golf course designs worldwide, Weiskopf tapped into a latent passion for architecture and emerged as one of the most recognized golf course architects across the globe. His signature designs, whether it be the Monument Course in Troon North, Arizona or the Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland, have each become classic references in the golfing fraternity, reflecting his love for the sport.
Beyond designing, Weiskopf’s voice in golf broadcasting at CBS and ABC between the ’80s and early 2000s brought golf closer to the audience. His insightful commentary often drawn from his own experiences enriched viewing experience for millions.
Reflecting back on Tom Weiskopf’s remarkable life in golf, it becomes evident how he pushed the boundaries and made an impactful career in golf – carving his own niche as a player, a broadcaster, and a course designer. Even at the age of 78, he continues to be an iconic figure in golf. Tom Weiskopf’s golfing journey is a testimony to longevity, talent, and resilience – a spirited saga that resonates in the heart of the golfing world- that is indeed a legacy worth celebrating!