Australian golf legend Peter Thomson is calling time on his long and productive golf course design career, citing age and declining health.
Aged 86, five-times British Open champion Thomson has been in the business for 51 years, helping to develop more than 180 courses in over 30 countries.
After a playing career that yielded 89 pro tournament wins, Thompson began designing courses with Michael Wolveridge in the 1960s.
Ross Perrett joined as a partner before the departure of the long-serving Wolveridge when the Melbourne-based company took its current name of Thomson Perrett.
Thomson was also chairman of course design company Thomson, Perrett and Lobb in London, where they were joined by Tim Lobb.
"Due to my age and declining health, and in consultation with my family and two partners, Ross and Tim, I have decided to retire completely from the golf design businesses," Thomson said in a statement.
"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.
"In Melbourne, our company is more complex. Ross will continue the design work, as well as his managing directorship, whilst in the process of rebranding the company."
"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, bringing the game to regions previously without proper golf courses.
"This has given me much satisfaction as I reflect upon our achievements."
