Tom Weiskopf

Born: November 9, 1942

Height: 6 ft 3 in

Birthplace: Massillon, Ohio

College: Ohio State University

Turned Pro: 1964

Tom Weiskopf was a victim of bad timing – peaking as a professional in the heady days of the 1970’s and early 80’s, forced to compete with Jack Nicklaus, still at the peak of his powers, Johnny Miller, the hottest player in the world during that five year span and Tom Watson.

Weiskopf would go on to record 7 top-three finishes in the Major championships. Incredibly, he was a four-time runner-up at Augusta National who could never quite find his way into Butler Cabin on Sunday evening.

Weiskopf’s had an unbelievable year in 1973, winning the Open Championship at Royal Troon, finishing third at the U.S. Open, sixth at the PGA Championship and climbing to #2 in Mark McCormick’s World Golf Rankings. Weiskopf held off Johnny Miller and a hard-charging Jack Nicklaus that Sunday in Troon to secure the Claret Jug.

Weiskopf stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall, but his height was not the source of his nickname, “the Towering Inferno.” Weiskopf’s temper would sometimes get the best of him during rounds which some historians believe cost him additional Major championships.

Weiskopf did add a Senior Major to his resume – the 1995 Senior U.S. Open.

In all, Weiskopf won 16 PGA Tour titles and 4 Senior (Champions Tour) titles. He is now actively involved in his own golf course design business. As a designer, Weiskopf is known for including a “drivable par four” in nearly every course design.