Golf world in mourning after tragic death of major winner at 79

The golf world is mourning the sad death of 1973 British Open champion Tom Weiskopf.

Weiskopf, who became a noted course designer and golf commentator, died on Saturday at his Montana home after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

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The American won 16 US PGA Tour events from 1968 and 1982 and was a four-time Masters runner-up. He also finished second at the US Open in 1976.

His first triumph came at the 1968 San Diego Open and his last was 40 years ago at the Western Open.

"Will miss you and your stories," tweeted eight-time major champion Tom Watson. "RIP my friend. PC has struck again."

Weiskopf won two duels with the legendary Jack Nicklaus - taking the 1972 Inverrary Classic by one stroke over the 18-time major winner and then beating him in a playoff at the Canadian Open in 1975.

But his greatest triumph came in wire-to-wire fashion at Royal Troon when he took the 1973 Open to claim the Claret Jug.

It was his only major triumph.

Weiskopf's course architect work includes a renovation at Torrey Pines and design work at Scotland's Loch Lomond.

Golf world mourns death of Tom Weiskopf

"The PGA Tour is saddened at the passing of Tom Weiskopf, a towering figure in the game of golf not only during his playing career but through his accomplished work in the broadcast booth and golf course design business," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.

"Tom is leaving behind a lasting legacy in golf.

"The beautiful swing he showcased during his 16 career PGA Tour victories is still being emulated today, while his golf courses remain as testaments to his love for the game."

Sir Nick Faldo also paid tribute on social media, revealing he and his wife had spent time with Weiskopf and his wife in May.

"Lindz & I were fortunate enough to have lunch with Tom and Laurie in May, telling my stories how I ran after him all that week, and how inspirational his swing and tempo was to me. I probably did the 10k hour thing just mimicking him! RIP Tom," Faldo tweeted.

Weiskopf, who won the 1995 US Senior Open, served as a television commentator for CBS in the 1980s and 1990s and later for ABC.

with agencies

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