Per several family-related sources, Tom Weiskopf, the 1973 Open Championship champion, died unexpectedly on Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In 1964, the American began his professional journey, and on tour between 1968 and 1982, he won almost 16 times but was well-known for his stellar performance in the majors.
Keiskopf had 20 more top-10 results, including five as runners-up, while having only one major victory—1973 Open at Royal Troon, where he finished three clear of Neil Coles and Johnny Miller.
Such a record was impressive in an era that produced some of the greatest players in the sport, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Watson.
Shortly after Tom Watson posted a statement on social media Sunday morning, word of Weiskopf’s death emerged. And following the news, here’s what we know about his career, death cause, and net worth facts.
Tom Weiskopf Net Worth Before Death Is Astonishing
At the time of his death, Tom Weiskopf might have accumulated a hefty fortune stacked in the millions from his successful career. Though the exact figure hasn’t been published, many online outlets claim his net worth to be over $2 million.
Weiskopf was renowned for his remarkable ball-striking skills, and many players considered his swing to be one of the most graceful in the game.
Although his game was highly regarded, he was also well-known for having a short fuse, earning the moniker “The Towering Inferno” for it.
Weiskopf switched to the Senior PGA Tour in 1993, where he had more success, winning the 1995 US Senior Open, among other tournaments. Additionally, he had a solid reputation as a course designer after his playing career.
He designed more than 40 courses worldwide, including Loch Lomond, which held the Scottish Open from 1995 to 2010. Additionally, Weiskopf worked as an ESPN, ABC Sports, and CBS Sports analyst.
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The Golfer’s Death Caused From Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosed Since Late 2020
Multiple reports claimed that the golfer’s death was caused by his battle with pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with in late 2020.
Tom experienced severe stomach pain in November, and a CT scan at a hospital in Montana revealed a tumor on his pancreas.
He and Laurie, his wife, flew to Miami on Thanksgiving Day for several tests, including genomic and biomarker ones. The following Monday, the diagnosis was confirmed, and on December 10, he began getting therapy.
Similarly, when the news broke, fans and acquaintances of the 79 years old talented player began to share condolences and prayers for his family.
Moreover, PGA Tour Champions has also posted an obituary on Twitter, writing: “Mourning the passing of Tom Weiskopf. 16 PGA TOUR wins, 4 Champions Tour wins, and his contributions to the game extended far beyond his trophies.”
79-Year-Old’s Alcohol Issue Lead To His Death?
A higher risk of pancreatic cancer was linked to heavy alcohol use. According to a 2016 study, the pooled analysis also revealed that heavy alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
Per A Life In Golf, Tom was once regarded as arrogant, self-centered, and having a drinking problem, but he quit drinking in 2000 and claimed to “be a different man.”
In contrast, a recent study reported in Web Md reveals that drinking three or more alcoholic beverages frequently is linked to a higher chance of dying from pancreatic cancer.
As per specialists, only two other modifiable lifestyle variables, smoking, and obesity have been linked to the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer death.
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Update On Tom Weiskopf’s Health Before Death
The 79 years old’s heath was on track, as he was said to have quit smoking in 2000 and began to receive treatments back in 2020.
It is an overwhelming situation, and receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis during a pandemic makes it even more difficult.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) came to Laurie’s attention when she got a poignant email from a four-year survivor, Karen Kiernan, who was able to start a focused treatment after using PanCAN’s Know Your Tumor tool to identify her tumor. Following Tom’s diagnosis, Karen contacted Laurie.
Karen told her about PanCAN’s resources for patients with pancreatic cancer and their families and discussed her own experience with the disease. The tale Karen told Laurie gave her hope and inspiration.
“Having PanCAN Patient Services was a big help when you don’t know where else to turn or that there is anything or anyone who can steer you in any direction,” stated Laurie.
As reported by PanCan, Tom and Laurie received additional evaluations at MD Anderson, and they both have great faith in their medical staff.