Ian Baker-Finch mourned the loss of an Australian “golfing legend” following the death of five-time Open champion Peter Thomson.

The first of his countrymen to ever win the Claret Jug – at Royal Birkdale in 1954 – Thomson died aged 88 having suffered Parkinson’s disease for more than four years.

He went on to win the Open a further four times over the next decade – a record only matched by the United States’ Tom Watson and Scotsman James Braid in the 20th century – to be listed behind only the all-time record holder Harry Vardon, who registered six victories between 1896 and 1914.

“Australia has lost a golfing legend and my hero,” tweeted Baker-Finch, 1991 Open winner, also at Birkdale.

“My heart felt condolences to his lovely wife Mary, also Deirdre, Andrew, Pan, Fiona and families.

“Peter – my friend and mentor R.I.P. Australian golf thanks you for your iconic presence & valuable guidance over the years.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the R&A, organisers of the Open, who recognised one of the great champions of the sport.

“It is with great sadness that we have awoken to the news of the passing of Peter Thomson,” said chief executive Martin Slumbers.

“Peter was a true gentleman and will be forever remembered throughout the world of golf as one of the great champions of our wonderful sport.

“He was a distinguished Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and will be sorely missed by all of us at The R&A.

“Peter gave me a number of very interesting and valuable thoughts on the game, how it has developed and where it is going, which demonstrated his genuine interest and love of golf.

“He was one of the most decorated and celebrated Champion Golfers in the history of The Open, winning the Championship five times in total and becoming the only golfer of the 20th century to lift the Claret Jug on three consecutive occasions between 1954 and 1956.”

Royal Birkdale, where Thomson also won his fifth and final Claret Jug in 1965, tweeted: “We were very lucky and privileged to have such a golfing legend win the Open twice on our links. RIP.”

Thomson became one of the youngest winners of the Open Championship with victory at Royal Birkdale in 1954 aged 24.

His Open victories in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1965 were among 89 professional tournament wins during his career.

Made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his service to golf in 1979, in 2001 he became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

He was awarded an honorary degree from St Andrews University in 2005 alongside British stars Peter Alliss and Nick Faldo.

Honorary Degrees – St Andrews University
Peter Alliss, Peter Thomson and Nick Faldo at St Andrews University after receiving honorary degrees in 2005 (PA)

Thomson served as president of the PGAA for 32 years, during which time he also helped design and build courses in Australia and around the world.

He is survived by his wife Mary, son Andrew and daughters Deirdre Baker, Pan Prendergast and Fiona Stanway, his 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.