Tom Watson (golfer)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tom Watson (golfer). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Tom Watson is a highly accomplished American professional golfer, renowned for his dominance in the 1970s and 1980s. He secured eight major championships and topped the PGA Tour money list five times, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the sport. Watson held the number one position in McCormack's World Golf Rankings from 1978 to 1982 and maintained a top ranking in subsequent years, demonstrating sustained excellence throughout his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1953: Ben Hogan Wins Both U.S. Open and Open Championship

In 1953, Ben Hogan won both the U.S. Open and Open Championship in the same year; Watson's 1982 feat made him only the third golfer since World War II to achieve this.

1953: Ben Hogan Wins Open Championship

In 1953, Ben Hogan won the Open Championship on his debut; Watson's 1975 win made him one of only four players since World War II to achieve this feat.

1964: Tony Lema Wins Open Championship

In 1964, Tony Lema won the Open Championship on his debut; Watson's 1975 win made him one of only four players since World War II to achieve this feat.

1967: Missouri State Amateur Championship

In 1967, Tom Watson won the Missouri State Amateur championship.

1968: Missouri State Amateur Championship

In 1968, Tom Watson won the Missouri State Amateur championship.

1970: Missouri State Amateur Championship

In 1970, Tom Watson won the Missouri State Amateur championship.

1971: Lee Trevino Wins Both U.S. Open and Open Championship

In 1971, Lee Trevino won both the U.S. Open and Open Championship in the same year; Watson's 1982 feat made him only the third golfer since World War II to achieve this.

1971: Missouri State Amateur Championship and Graduation

In 1971, Tom Watson won the Missouri State Amateur championship and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in psychology.

1974: First Tour Title at the Western Open

In 1974, just weeks after the Winged Foot collapse, Tom Watson secured his first Tour title at the Western Open near Chicago, making a comeback from six shots behind in the final round.

1975: First Open Championship Victory

In 1975, Tom Watson won his first major championship, the Open Championship, on his first appearance in the event in Britain, defeating Jack Newton in a playoff.

1977: Victories over Jack Nicklaus

In 1977, Tom Watson notably defeated Jack Nicklaus at the Masters and the Open Championship.

1977: Masters Victory

In 1977, Tom Watson won the Masters, securing his first green jacket after a final-round duel with Jack Nicklaus.

1977: Open Championship Victory at Turnberry

In 1977, Tom Watson's Open Championship victory at Turnberry in Scotland is regarded as one of the finest tournaments played in the second half of the 20th century, where he duelled with Jack Nicklaus, ultimately winning with a record score of 268.

1978: Ranked Number One

In 1978, Tom Watson was ranked as the number one player in the world according to McCormack's World Golf Rankings.

1981: Second Masters Title

In 1981, Tom Watson won his second Masters title at Augusta, finishing two strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.

July 1982: Open Championship Victory

In July 1982, Tom Watson won The Open Championship at Royal Troon, becoming only the third golfer since World War II to win the U.S. Open and Open Championship in the same year.

1982: Victory over Jack Nicklaus at the U.S. Open

In 1982, Tom Watson achieved victory over Jack Nicklaus at the U.S. Open.

1982: U.S. Open Victory at Pebble Beach

In 1982, Tom Watson won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach after a memorable duel with Jack Nicklaus, including a miraculous chip-in birdie on the 17th hole.

1982: Continued Number One Ranking

Tom Watson maintained his position as the number one player in the world according to McCormack's World Golf Rankings until 1982.

1982: Special Exemption to U.S. Open at Pebble Beach

Tom Watson's performance in 1982 at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach granted him a special exemption in 2010.

July 1983: Fifth Open Championship Victory

In July 1983, Tom Watson won his fifth Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, marking his last major victory.

1983: Ranked Second

In 1983, Tom Watson was ranked second behind Seve Ballesteros according to McCormack's World Golf Rankings.

1984: Second Ranking Continues

In 1984, Tom Watson was again ranked second behind Seve Ballesteros according to McCormack's World Golf Rankings.

1986: Top 10 Sony Ranking

In 1986, Tom Watson spent 32 weeks in the top 10 of the successor Sony Rankings.

1987: Nabisco Championship Victory

In 1987, Tom Watson won the Nabisco Championship, ending a three-year winless streak on the PGA Tour.

1993: Ryder Cup Victory as Captain

In 1993, Tom Watson captained the American side to victory in the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in England.

1996: Victory at the Memorial Tournament

In 1996, Tom Watson had a revival in his career, winning the Memorial Tournament.

1997: Second Dunlop Phoenix Tournament Win

In 1997, Tom Watson won the Japan Golf Tour's Dunlop Phoenix tournament for the second time, marking the last of his four victories in Japan.

1998: Last PGA Tour Victory at MasterCard Colonial

In 1998, Tom Watson secured the last of his 39 wins on the PGA Tour at the MasterCard Colonial at 48 years old.

2000: Tiger Woods Wins Both U.S. Open and Open Championship

In 2000, Tiger Woods later matched Watson's feat of winning both the U.S. Open and Open Championship in the same year.

2003: Ben Curtis Wins Open Championship

In 2003, Ben Curtis won the Open Championship on his debut; Watson's 1975 win made him one of only four players since World War II to achieve this feat.

2003: Senior Open Championship Win at Turnberry

In 2003, Tom Watson revisited his 1977 Open Championship win at Turnberry with another win there in the Senior Open Championship.

2003: Shared Lead at U.S. Open

In 2003, at age 53, Tom Watson shared the opening-round lead at the U.S. Open by shooting a 65, with his caddy Bruce Edwards.

2005: Senior Open Championship Victory

In 2005, Tom Watson had a victory in the Senior Open Championship.

2007: Senior Open Championship Victory

In 2007, Tom Watson had a victory in the Senior Open Championship.

2009: Exemption Extended for Final Open Appearance

Tom Watson's exemption for his 2009 Open finish was extended in 2015, giving him the opportunity to play at St. Andrews and make one final Open appearance.