Open champion and golf course architect Tom Weiskopf dies aged 79

The world of golf lost a great golfer and course designer with the passing of Tom Weiskopf at his home in Big Sky, Montana at the age of 79. Winner of 16 PGA TOUR titles, Tom was a prolific golf course designer, responsible for 70-plus courses around the world, including Troon Golf's flagship facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"The industry has lost one of its best with the passing of Tom Weiskopf, and Troon lost a dear friend," said Dana Garmany, Troon Executive Chairman & Founder. Weiskopf played a significant role in the creation and subsequent growth of Troon. In the late '80s, Garmany, Tom, Jay Moorish and developer Jerry Nelson aligned to build Troon North Golf Club. The project was the impetus for Dana to trademark the "Troon Golf" name for the purpose of creating a company that could handle payroll for the partners and protects them from any risks. Soon after Troon North opened in 1990 to rave reviews, Garmany's payroll company quickly grew into something much bigger, and the modern-day golf management company was born, now the world leader in golf management around the globe.

"Tom was a great friend and supported Troon throughout the years," said Senior Vice President of Science and Agronomy, Jeff Spangler, the original superintendent at Troon North. "He had a great eye for design and was open to innovating new ideas, one of which was the drivable par four that many golf course architects have added to their repertoire.

Tom grew up in Ohio, and was touted as the next Nicklaus. He was also known as the "Towering Inferno" for his face turning deep red when he hit a bad shot. There was no throwing of clubs or cursing, just that bright red glow. Tom captured the Open Championship in 1973 at Royal Troon so it was no coincidence that his first work would be Troon North. Tom played on the PGA Tour Champions and won the 1995 U.S. Senior Open at Congressional beating Jack by 4 strokes, along with 5 other wins.

Troon managed Tom Weiskopf designed golf courses include.
* Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah
* Capital Canyon in Prescott Arizona
* La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas
* Monument & Pinnacle at Troon North
* The Ocean Club in Paradise Island, Bahamas
* The Ridge at Castle Pines North in Colorado
* Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona