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The Australia sporting world mourns today following the sad news that golfing legend Peter Thomson has passed away.
Thomson was one of Australia’s greatest golfers, and was the first Australian to win the British Open. The legendary sportsman then went on to win the British Open five more times, between 1954 and 1965.
The sportsman passed away at the age of 88, with Golf.org.au stating Thomson had been living with Parkinson’s disease for four years.
Thomson died surrounded by family at his Melbourne home.
Thomson was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to golf in 1979. In 2001, he also became an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contributions as a player, administrator and for the services he provided the community.
Devastated fans have flocked to Twitter to farewell the Australian sporting legend.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, son, Andrew, daughters Deirdre, Pan and Fiona and their spouses. He was also a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with family at this difficult time.
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