Peter Thomson
Peter Thomson stands as a towering figure in the history of golf—both in Australia and around the world. A legend of the sport, Thomson was the first Australian to win the British Open, going on to claim the title an extraordinary five times. Throughout a truly international playing career, he amassed over 100 tournament victories, including three Australian Opens and a remarkable nine New Zealand Open titles. In his first year on the senior PGA tour in 1985, he won nine tournaments, a feat that remains unmatched.
Thomson’s success extended well beyond his playing days, having served as President of the PGA of Australia for 32 years, during which time he became a powerful advocate for the growth of golf in the Asia-Pacific region. He was instrumental in the formation of the Asian Tour, and his impact on the game was recognised with his induction into the Australian Golf Hall of Fame.
Thomson was renowned not only for his achievements, but also for his approach to the game: strategic, minimal, and clear-headed. He believed golf should not be over-complicated—his playing style focused on thinking from the green back to the tee. This logical approach is embodied in what he described as his ‘Leviathan’—the Open Course at Moonah Links.
