Australia's greatest golfer Peter Thomson has died after battling Parkinson's disease for more than four years.

Thomson is best remembered for his five wins in what was the British Open, including being the first Australian to achieve the feat.

His Open Championship wins came in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, and 1965. He was the only man to win the tournament for three consecutive years in the 20th century.

Thomson was a prolific tournament champion around the world, winning the national championships of 10 countries, including the New Zealand Open nine times. 

He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.

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