Tom Weiskopf came close to winning many majors. He was a runner-up four times in the Masters, had five top-four finishes at the US Open and four top-eights at the PGA Championship.
Ironically, he did not contend as often at The Open but at Troon in 1973 he collected the Claret Jug in imperious style.
In the annals of golf history, the 1973 Open Championship holds a special place.
The 102nd edition of this prestigious tournament unfolded from July 11th to July 14th at the Troon Golf Club in Troon, Scotland.
What made this event particularly memorable was Tom Weiskopf’s remarkable wire-to-wire victory, securing his only major championship by a commanding three-stroke margin over his closest competitors, Neil Coles and Johnny Miller, the reigning U.S. Open champion.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Weiskopf’s performance at Troon Golf Club was nothing short of spectacular.
His four-round total of 12-under-par 276 not only clinched the championship but also matched a long-standing Open Championship record.
This record, set by golf legend Arnold Palmer on the same course in 1962, had stood for over a decade until Weiskopf’s masterful play equaled it.
The 1973 Open Championship was a defining moment in Tom Weiskopf’s career, elevating him to the ranks of major champions.
The Postage Stamp Ace
A truly magical moment during the 1973 Open Championship occurred in the first round when the legendary Gene Sarazen, at the age of 71, made a hole-in-one.
This remarkable feat took place at the renowned 8th hole, affectionately known as the “Postage Stamp.”
Named for its small green, this 126-yard (115 meters) par-3 hole proved challenging for many golfers over the years.
Sarazen’s ace at this iconic hole added a touch of history to an already memorable tournament.
Trevino’s Bid Falls Short
Another storyline that captivated the golfing world during the 1973 Open Championship was Lee Trevino’s pursuit of a third consecutive Open title.
However, despite his impressive track record in the tournament, Trevino’s bid for history fell short.
He ended up finishing thirteen strokes behind the champion, in a tie for tenth place.
While the victory eluded Trevino on this occasion, his legacy as one of golf’s greats remained intact.
The Transformation to Royal Troon
The 1973 Open Championship marked the end of an era for Troon Golf Club.
Just five years later, in 1978, the club underwent a transformation, earning the prestigious “Royal” designation and becoming known as the Royal Troon Golf Club.
This change in status solidified the club’s reputation as one of the most esteemed golfing establishments in the world.
In 1982, Royal Troon would once again host the Open Championship, adding another chapter to its storied history.
