Tom Weiskopf Cause of Death: PGA Tour Golfer Dead at 79
Tom Weiskopf, a famed golfer who also served as a broadcaster for CBS and ABC, died. He was 79.
Weiskopf's wife Laurie Weiskopf delivered the saddening news about the athlete, saying that he passed away at his home in Montana on Saturday.
As quoted by Fox News, Weiskopf was reportedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2020. Despite the dreaded disease, the late broadcaster reportedly worked at The Club at Spanish Peaks last week and attended a legacy champion before his death.
"He worked to the end. It was amazing. He had a big life," she said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer is a type of the dreaded illness in which cancer cells form and develop in the organ's tissues. Unfortunately, it is one of the cancer types that is difficult to diagnose early.
It is the same illness that led to the deaths of notable Hollywood stars and personalities like Alex Trebek, Steve Jobs, John Hurt, Luciano Pavarotti, and Alan Rickman, to name a few.
Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan joined the mourning industry and penned a heartfelt tribute to Weiskopf.
"The PGA TOUR is saddened at the passing of Tom Weiskopf, a towering figure in the game of golf not only during his playing career but through his accomplished work in the broadcast booth and golf course design business. Tom is leaving behind a lasting legacy in golf," he said, per CNN.
He also recalled how the athlete recorded 16 PGA TOUR victories throughout his career and sent the organization's deepest sympathies to his bereaved family.
Tom Weiskopf Left a Burning Legacy
The Ohio native started his career at Ohio State University where he played for its golf team. He waited a few years before starting his professional career in 1964.
He scored his first win at the 1968 San Diego Open. From there, he continuously collected honors and wins until he had a total of 16 US PGA TOUR wins from 1968 to 1982.
In 1972, he won two duels with Jack Nicklaus and beat him at the Canadian Open in 1975. Weiskopf also famously dominated the 1973 Open to claim the Claret Jug.
"Going head to head against Jack Nicklaus in a major was like trying to drain the Pacific Ocean with a teacup. You stand on the first tee knowing that your very best golf might not be good enough," he said in a 2008 interview with Golf Digest.
After his golfing career, he designed the golf courses of TPC Scottsdale, Olympic Club, Silverleaf Club, Troon North Golf Club, and Yellowstone Club in Montana. He also became a broadcaster for CBS and ABC in the years before his death.
