Reigning Open Champion Jordan Spieth has paid special praise for fellow and five-time Open Champion, Peter Thomson.

Thomson passed away earlier today in Melbourne, Australia at two months shy of his 89th birthday.

“It was deeply saddening to learn of his passing,” said Spieth ahead of his defence of this week’s Travelers Championship but in speaking with the media in an R & A organised phone-conference call ahead of his defence of the 146th Open Championship next month at Carnoustie.

“I saw some pictures through the years this morning of him with the Claret Jug after he had won, and also some highlights of his, and he looked like somebody who was so proud of The Open Championship, somebody who singled that
tournament out as a specialty, and his game certainly showed that.

“I remember seeing one picture afterwards where he was — the Claret Jug, he was hugging it so close to his face with a smile of just like pure joy.

“You don’t see that, even in major championships, of guys with trophies. But you could see how much that meant to him. You could see how much that tournament meant to him.

Jordan Speith clutching the famed Claret Jug after his memorable victory at Royal Birkdale. (Image – www.golfbytourmiss.con)

“Certainly one of the, if not the most, masterful links players to play the game. Very obviously saddened by his passing. But what a legacy he left.”

And I asked Spieth, if as a two-time Australian Open winner, if he ever met Thomson.

“No, I think I met him once, but I didn’t have a chance to spend much time with him.”