Jimmy Thomson (golfer)


James Wilfred Stevenson Thomson was a Scottish-born professional golfer who played exclusively in the United States.

Early life

Thomson was born in North Berwick, the son of pro golfer Wilfred Thomson. His cousin Jack White won the 1904 Open Championship. In 1921 his father Wilfred was appointed pro at The Country Club of Virginia. The following year, Jimmy sailed to the U.S. with his mother and sister Emily.

Professional career

Thomson is notable for losing the 1936 PGA Championship to Denny Shute, 3&2. In addition, he won the Richmond Open that year. He also won the Los Angeles Open two years later. Both were retroactively labeled PGA Tour events.
He appeared in the movie The Caddy with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. He also featured in Shoot Yourself Some Golf with Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman. He was married to silent film star Viola Dana from 1930 to 1945.

Professional wins (5)

PGA Tour wins (2)

Other wins (3)

this list may be incomplete

Results in major championships

Tournament1930193119321933193419351936193719381939
Masters TournamentNYFNYFNYFNYFT51T156T8T18
U.S. OpenWDT432T14T28T32
The Open Championship
PGA ChampionshipR162R16R32R64

NYF = tournament not yet founded
NT = no tournament
DQ = disqualified
WD = withdrew
CUT = missed the half-way cut
R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

  • Most consecutive cuts made – 16
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 2