In the realm of golfing legends, there aren’t many which carry the same gravitas as Missouri’s Tom Watson. The native of the Show-Me State is one of the most successful male golfers of all time. The proud Midwesterner has stayed close to his roots throughout this glittering professional golf career, winning five Open Championships, two Masters Tournaments, and one U.S. Open.

While many high-profile athletes typically opt for the glitz and glamor of coastal mansions on the West Coast, Watson has remained loyal to his Missouri roots, calling a stunning estate near Kansas City home.

Discovering more about Watson’s Stilwell home

Watson used to live in Mission Hills, Kansas, but has more recently taken the plunge to move to Stilwell, Kansas. Watson was joined by his late second wife, Hilary, as well as his two children and three stepchildren.

In fact, you can catch Watson’s magnificent abode on sites like Virtual Globetrotting, which demonstrates the vastness of his estate. A quick glance at the satellite images of Watson’s Missouri home shows that Watson has his very own holes to practice his golf. There’s also a beautiful lake, which has a private jetty. Watson’s private hole hugs the outside of the lake, with the green joined by three challenging bunkers on either side.

Watson’s home itself overlooks his practice hole. There’s a perfectly-manicured lawn area and private pool, along with what looks like a Tiki-style bar area. His estate isn’t just a home, it’s a symbol of his hugely successful golf journey. It’s where a golfing legend kicks back, designs new courses, and reflects on a career that’s inspired millions.

Watson finished his competitive golf career back in 2019, but his legacy means that golf is still a very popular sport to watch – and soon to wager on – in Missouri. The Show-Me State is one of the latest to embrace sports betting, with its lawmakers passing a bill to launch its own regulated market by December 2025. The legislation states that anyone sports betting in Missouri later this year must be aged 21 or older.

Watson’s passion beyond playing: golf course design

It’s true that once Watson’s playing days were over, his passion for designing elite-level golf courses soon took hold. As a matter of fact, Watson has had his hand in many world-leading golf venues across the U.S. through the years.

One of his most successful works was in Milton, Georgia at The Manor Golf & Country Club. Within the complex also stands an imposing 16,000 sq. ft home, which looks over the green of the 18th hole. Watson is said to have had a hand in this property as well as the course. The home was previously on the market, with the six-bedroom property available for a cool $7.25 million.

In a world where many celebrities and sports stars trade their hometown roots for tax havens and coastal climates, Watson’s remained loyal to Missouri, where he remains a cherished figure. Watson is famed for his philanthropic efforts, raising funds for the local community, as well as promoting the sport which gave him so much.