Who Is Tom Watson (golfer)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tom Watson, born on September 4, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, is a celebrated American professional golfer renowned for his remarkable achievements on the PGA Tour. As of 2025, Watson is 75 years old and continues to be an influential figure in the sport. With a career spanning over five decades, he has earned eight major championships, including five Open Championships, highlighting his tremendous skill and dedication to golf. His biography is one of inspiring perseverance and continual passion for the game.
| Occupation | Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Tom Watson (golfer)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tom Watson stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), showcasing the athleticism typical of a professional golfer. Throughout his career, his weight has fluctuated, but he is currently around 160 pounds (73 kg). His well-maintained physique is indicative of his commitment to staying active, even in retirement, and reflects his dedication to health and fitness.
Watson has been one of the most complete players ever to play golf, as evidenced by his competitiveness in the 2009 Open Championship at the age of 59.
Standing 5 ft 9 in and weighing 160 pounds during his PGA Tour years, he achieved abundant length with accuracy, played aggressively, developed a superlative short game, and in his prime was a very skilled and confident putter.
Watson is renowned as an exceptional bad-weather golfer, having displayed this gritty talent best in the difficult and varied conditions of The Open Championship. At the height of his career, he was well known for his excellent recovery skills, especially around the greens.
Years later, if a player escaped from trouble and somehow made par, tour players described the escape as a "Watson par".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Tom Watson has been married twice. His first marriage to Linda, which lasted several years, ended in divorce. He later found love with his second wife, who has played a critical role in supporting his career. As of 2025, Tom Watson's relationship status is married, and he enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife. There have not been any publicized relationships outside of his marriage, showcasing his commitment to family and partnership.
He was introduced to the game by his father, Ray. His early coach was Stan Thirsk at the Kansas City Country Club. Watson first gained local renown while on his high school team at The Pembroke-Country Day School in Kansas City.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tom Watson's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth comes from a combination of his successful golf career, lucrative sponsorship deals, and various business ventures. Watson has also been successful in golf course design and related enterprises. His earnings, particularly during his peak years, were substantial, and he continues to generate income through exhibitions and endorsements even in his retirement.
Career, Business and Investments
Tom Watson's illustrious golfing career is complemented by numerous business ventures. His achievements on the PGA Tour include a total of 39 wins, and he is one of the few golfers to win the prestigious Claret Jug multiple times. Watson has also ventured into golf course design and is involved with various charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community. In addition, he has invested his wealth wisely, ensuring long-term financial stability beyond his sporting career.
In Watson's illustrious career, his eight major championships include five Open Championships, two Masters titles, and one U.S. Open title. In all, Watson's eight majors ranks sixth on the list of total major championship victories, behind only Nicklaus, Woods, Walter Hagen, Hogan, and Player.
Social Network
Tom Watson is active on several social media platforms where he engages with fans and shares insights about his life and career. You can find him on Twitter @TomWatsonPGA and on Instagram @tomwatsongolfer. His social presence serves to inspire aspiring golfers and keep the community connected through shared love for the sport.
Watson's 1977 Open Championship victory, at Turnberry in Scotland, was especially memorable, and is considered by many to be the finest tournament played in the second half of the 20th century. After two rounds, he and Jack Nicklaus were one shot out of the lead and paired for the third round.
Both shot 65, ending the third round three shots clear of the field. Watson and Nicklaus were again paired for the final round. On the last day, the two were tied after 16 holes. Nicklaus missed a makeable birdie putt on 17, losing his share of the lead to Watson, who birdied 17.
On the 18th, Nicklaus drove into the rough, while Watson drove the fairway. Watson's approach landed two feet from the flag, while Nicklaus, after a drive into deep rough and near a gorse plant, managed to get his approach 40 feet away.
Nicklaus sank his birdie putt to finish with a 66, but Watson followed suit with his own birdie, finishing with a second straight 65 and his second Open, with a record score of 268 (12 under par).
The two players finished well ahead of the other challengers (Hubert Green in third place was ten strokes behind Nicklaus, at 279), and shot the same score every round except for the final day, which was then played on Saturday.
Education
Tom Watson pursued his education at Stanford University, where he not only excelled academically but also honed his golf skills. His time at Stanford provided a solid foundation for his future career in professional golf, contributing to his mental fortitude and strategic thinking on the golf course.
Watson won four Missouri State Amateur championships: in 1967, 1968, 1970, and 1971. He attended Stanford University, playing on the golf and table tennis teams, and joined Alpha Sigma Phi. He graduated with a degree in psychology in 1971.
