Tom Weiskopf, a 16-time PGA Tour winner who died at age 79 from pancreatic cancer, is a towering figure in the world of golf. He was also a popular broadcaster and course architect.
A tall and handsome man, Weiskopf won the 1973 British Open and finished second four times at the Masters. He was also a well-known analyst for CBS Sports and ABC/ESPN.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
The pancreas is an endocrine organ, meaning it produces hormones that control the body’s glucose (sugar) metabolism. It also makes enzymes that help the body digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Some of these hormones are secreted into the bloodstream to regulate your blood sugar levels, such as insulin and glucagon. Other hormones are released into the stomach to help you digest your food.
Pancreatic cancer occurs in the tissues of the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach. It is more common in men than women and affects primarily older adults, although it can happen to children or younger people.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for about 95% of all cases. Another rare type is neuroendocrine tumors, which develop from cells in the endocrine gland of the pancreas that produce the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate your blood sugar levels.
What Can I Do?
Tom Weiskopf is one of golf’s more storied names and was the 16th most tee-off winning PGA Tour player of all time. He also was a notable course architect, with around 80 under his belt.
When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, he took it as a challenge to find out what he could do to fight back against the disease. The result was a visit to MD Anderson in Houston, where they helped him get the most out of his treatment plan by getting him access to the best possible care.
In his battle against cancer, Tom and his wife Laurie have received the most support from people they didn’t even know. They have made it their mission to spread the word about the importance of early detection and the best care available. They have also been proud supporters of our free pancreatic cancer resources and information, like our latest interactive toolkits. They are the type of patients that we are here to help, every step of the way.
What Can I Expect?
Tom Weiskopf, who won 16 PGA Tour titles and was a golf commentator, died at his home in Big Sky, Montana, on Saturday from pancreatic cancer. He was 79.
Weiskopf was a native of Massillon, Ohio, where he grew up playing the game of golf. He was born November 9, 1942 and began playing professionally in 1964.
His swing was described as “pure poetry.” He was a 6-foot-3 player who had a powerful, rhythmic and consistent swing that made pure contact with the ball.
In his professional career, Weiskopf won 16 PGA Tour titles between 1968 and 1982, including the 1973 British Open at Royal Troon. He also finished second four times at the Masters and tied for second at the 1976 US Open.
After his playing career ended, Weiskopf worked as a golf course designer. He designed dozens of courses around the world. Among them were Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; Loch Lomond in Scotland; and Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C.
How Can I Help?
One of Tom Weiskopf’s many accomplishments was designing a golf course. His designs are now part of the TPC Craig Ranch community in Dallas. Weiskopf was also a PGA player and a notable figure in the world of professional golf. The most laudable accolade was his long-term success at the senior PGA Tour level. The aforementioned trophy is a fitting tribute to his distinguished career. He passed away at the young age of 79 on August 20, 2022 after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom leaves behind a wife and a legacy of awe-inspiring golf. The rest of us can take heart in knowing he was a proud and happy man.
