Tom Watson 1975 Masters 19-under

Lore & Background

Watson's eight major wins include five Open Championships, two Masters titles, and one U.S. Open title. Several of his major victories came at the expense of Jack Nicklaus, most notably the 1977 Masters, 1977 Open Championship, and the 1982 U.S. Open. Watson is also regarded as one of the greatest links players of all time, backed by his five Open Championship victories, runner-up finishes at the 1984 and 2009 Open Championships, and three Senior British Open Championship titles (2003, 2005, 2007).

Reader's Guide

Watson joined the PGA Tour in 1971. He won his first major championship, the 1975 Open Championship, on his first appearance in Britain, holing a 20-foot putt on the 72nd hole to tie Jack Newton, then winning an 18-hole playoff. He won his second major and first Masters in 1977 after a duel with Jack Nicklaus. Watson's 1977 Open Championship victory at Turnberry is considered by many to be the finest tournament of the second half of the 20th century. He won his third Open Championship in 1980 at Muirfield, and his second Masters in 1981. In 1982 at Pebble Beach, he won the U.S. Open after a duel with Nicklaus.

Did You Know?

• He won the 1975 Open Championship at Carnoustie, not the PGA Championship.
• Watson finished tied for 8th at the 1975 Masters at 7-under par; Jack Nicklaus won at 12-under.
• Watson's seven majors count is incorrect; he won eight majors total.