Australian Golf Legend Peter Thomson Dies Aged 88

Australian golf great and five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson has died, aged 88.

Thomson died on Wednesday morning after a four-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born on 23 August 1929, Thomson became the first Australian to win the British Open and triumphed there a total of five times, presently an equal all-time record alongside Tom Watson.

He won nine events on the American circuit in 1985.

Thomson was president of the Australian PGA for 32 years and wrote for newspapers and magazines for more than 60 years.

He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 and became an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2001 for his contributions to golf as a player and administrator, as well as his community service.

Thomson's family has asked for privacy.