Greensboro, North Carolina … After over 50 years in golf course design, five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson has announced his retirement from the firm Thomson Perrett he co-founded.

Thomson established the company in 1965 after winning his fifth Open at Royal Birkdale and since then has worked on over 250 projects in 30 countries including building over 100 new courses.

Thomson released a statement saying:-

I have encouraged Ross and Tim to continue with their golf design practices for ongoing projects, as well as creating new golf courses on their own long into the future.

Henceforth, in London, Tim’s company will be LOBB+PARTNERS.

Peter Thomson photographed some years back on a visit to St. Andrews. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

In Melbourne, our company is more complex, and Ross will continue the design work, as well as his Managing Directorship, whilst in the process of rebranding the company.   This will be completed by the end of 2016, when he will advise his new company name.

I have enjoyed a wonderful association with both Ross and Tim, as I did in the past with Michael Wolveridge.  Together, over 51 years, we have embarked on many exciting projects in more than 30 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Asia, the Middle  East, and more recently Africa, bring the game to regions previously without proper golf courses.   This has given me much satisfaction as I reflect upon our achievements.

My affection for all three of my partners is ongoing.   I wish them well in the future, and I am sure our friendship will continue always.

Peter Thomson. AO.  CBE.

Perrett, who teamed with Thomson in 1986, has been Managing Director of Thomson Perrett for the past 25 years, said:  “Peter’s generous support and friendship has been an inspiration to all the Thomson Perrett team and we thank him for the role he has played in each of our careers. It has been a privilege to work closely with one of golf’s most intelligent and greatest players.”

When asked about the future for the company, Ross reiterated that he will continue to lead the team and will strive to set new bench marks within the industry locally and internationally.  Ross explained that other than a rebrand later in the year, the current Thomson Perrett operation will continue as usual.  All staff have been retained and are busy working in five countries including the following projects –

–        Clearwater Bay, Renovation, Hong Kong
–        Genung Geulis Golf Club,18 holes, Indonesia
–        Greens Beach Golf Club, 18 holes, Australia
–        Ho Binh Golf Resort, 36 holes, Vietnam
–        Kooringal Golf Club, Renovation, Australia
–        Northern Golf Club, Renovation, Australia
–        Qutub Golf Course, 18 holes, India
–        Palm Beach Golf Club, 18 holes, China
–        Warrnambool Golf club, Renovation, Australia