Hilary Watson, wife of golfer Tom Watson, dies of cancer at 63

Golfweek Staff Writer | Golfweek

Hilary Watson, the wife of eight-time major champion Tom Watson, has died after battling pancreatic cancer. She was 63.

Tom Watson’s agent, Barry Hyde, confirmed that Hilary Watson died Wednesday night.

Hilary Watson was diagnosed in 2017 and received chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She also underwent surgery to remove a tumor, according to The Kansas City Star.

Tom Watson, a five-time British Open champion, played in his final Senior British Open in July at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s. “I’ve run across so many fine people who have helped me and supported me," he said at the time. "First of all, my wife, who is battling cancer now. It’s going to give me some time to go out and compete with her.”

Despite her illness, Hilary still participated in cutting horses, a Western type of equestrian that has roots in ranching. After her surgery, she still competed in the sport, finishing fourth in the National Cutting Horse Association amateur rider of the year event.

“Whether I’m feeling good or not, I was going to still get on that horse. And have some fun doing it. That’s been a godsend for me,” she told The Star in May 2018.

Hilary Watson is survived by her husband, Tom, and her children, Kyle Charles, Kelly Paige and Ross Donald, her step-children, Meg Carr and Michael Watson, and two sisters, Alicia Korte and Christine Holton. Her brother, Tommy, preceded her in death.

Ted Bishop, former PGA of America president, shared a tribute to his friends on Facebook.

“Tom will tell you that Hilary was his hero. … and for many reasons. How these two people dealt with the devastation of the worst that cancer can muster up is truly an inspiration to us all. Hilary was a beautiful woman who was also one of the fiercest competitors who ever lived. Tom is an 8-time major champion golfer, but more so a man who has always dealt with adversity in amazing ways. It's a sad day, but Hilary’s fight is over and she leaves us with many beautiful memories.”