Bobby Jones (1902 – 1971)
Bobby Jones, born in Atlanta, Georgia, was one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. In 1930, Jones became the only player ever to win the United States Open, the British Open, the United States Amateur, and the British Amateur tournaments in one year. These were the world’s four major golf events at that time. After completing this “Grand Slam” Jones retired from tournament play at the age of 28.
Between 1923 and 1930, Jones won 13 major titles. In addition to his Grand Slam, he won the US Open in 1923, 1926, and 1929; the British Open in 1926 and 1927; and the US Amateur in 1924, 1925, 1927, and 1928.
Bobby Jones was well known for his sense of humor. On being told it was more than 100 degrees in the shade, he replied, “Well, I’m glad we don’t have to play in the shade.”
His full name was Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. After his retirement, Jones and banker Clifford Roberts founded the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. In 1934, Jones and Roberts established an annual tournament for the course: the Masters.
