Arguably one of the greatest names in golf, Peter Thomson has announced his decision to retire from his golf course design businesses Thomson Perrett in Melbourne and Thomson, Perrett and Lobb in London.

The 86 year-old five times Open Championship winner, who recently celebrated 50 years in golf course design, said in a press statement: “Due to my age and declining health, and in consultation with my family and two partners, Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb, I have decided to retire completely from the golf design businesses. 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.”

Following Thomson’s retirement, Tim Lobb’s company will become LOBB + PARTNERS. “My partners are all the people I know in the industry to design and build golf courses around the world,” Lobb told Golf Course Architecture. “I am looking to do more than just design in the future and will add partners to the business in the future, so I’m leaving a space to grow into. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Peter and Ross and value our time together as partners and friends.”

Meanwhile, Ross Perrett will continue his design work, as well as his managing directorship, whilst in the process of rebranding the company. “This will be completed by the end of 2016, when he will advise his new company name,” Thomson explained.

“I have enjoyed a wonderful association with both Ross and Tim, as I did in the past with Michael Wolveridge,” Thomson said. “Together, over more than 51 years we have embarked upon many exciting projects in more than 30 countries worldwide, 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 on our achievements. My affection for all three of my partners is ongoing. I wish them well in the future and I am sure our friendship will continue always.”