About Jimmy Thomson
Lived 1908 – 1985 (aged 76). Jimmy Thomson was an American golfer.
James Wilfred Stevenson Thomson (29 October 1908 – 28 June 1985) 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) 1936 Richmond Open 1938 Los Angeles Open
Other wins (3) this list may be incomplete 1927 Virginia Open 1934 Melbourne Centenary Open (Australia) 1937 San Francisco Matchplay Open
Results in major championships
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 (1934 U.S. Open – 1940 Masters) Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (three times)
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Important facts
People in Jimmy Thomson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Jimmy Thomson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jimmy Thomson?
professional golfer
When was Jimmy Thomson born?
Jimmy Thomson was born on 29 October 1908 in North Berwick.
When did Jimmy Thomson die?
Jimmy Thomson died on 28 June 1985 in Miami.
What was Jimmy Thomson's occupation?
Jimmy Thomson was a golfer.
What nationality was Jimmy Thomson?
Jimmy Thomson was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Jimmy Thomson (golfer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jimmy Thomson. https://biography.guide/jimmy-thomson-golfer/
MLA: "Jimmy Thomson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jimmy-thomson-golfer/.
Chicago: "Jimmy Thomson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jimmy-thomson-golfer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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