Port Douglas resident reflects on friendship with Aussie golf legend
PORT DOUGLAS
THE death of Peter Thomson, arguably one of Australia’s finest and most successful professional golfers, has saddened the golfing world, but none more so than Port Douglas resident, former US Tour player and golf course designer Michael Wolveridge.
In a tribute to the man he first met at Royal Adelaide during the 1962 Australian Open, which led to a near life-time friendship, Wolveridge said today we have lost a lovely, sensible man who was a dear friend and mentor.
“Peter left a great legacy and I am extremely saddened today. Together, we designed 200 golf courses in 20 countries. As a player, he was confident, strong and determined. He was made of steel,” said Wolveridge.
A five-time winner of the British Open, he lifted the Claret Jug in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, and 1965. He was the only man to win the tournament for three consecutive years in the 20th Century.
After turning professional in 1949, he won 84 tournaments playing on the US PGA, European, Australasian and Senior PGA Tours
“There was enormous respect for Peter, especially when he came across from the US to play the British Open, unlike many of his peers who stayed at home.
“And on his arrival in the UK, the Yorkshire Evening News was once moved to write that ‘the annual slaying of the lambs is back in town’. An incredibly accurate assessment of a man who won three consecutive Open Championships, something which is not likely to be rivalled,” said Wolveridge.
During their 50-year business (and friendship) partnership – their company was known as Harris Thomson Wolveridge – they were in the top tier of golf course designers. Their major competitors were Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
“We were always in the mix to get projects and were fortunate to design more than 30 courses in SE Asia and Japan.”
Wolveridge will next week attend the eulogy which will be held at the MCG in Melbourne.
THOMSON CAREER SNAPSHOT
TURNED PRO:
1949
TOUR TITLES:
PGA Tour 6
European Tour 1
Japan Golf Tour 1
PGA Tour of Australasia 33
PGA Tour Champions 11
European circuit 28
BEST MAJOR RESULTS:
The Masters - 5th 1957
U.S. Open - T4th 1956
British Open: Winner 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965
AWARDS:
World Golf Hall of Fame 1988
Arnold Palmer Award (Champions Tour) 1986
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