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All golfers admire the great Bobby Jones, and many acknowledge him to be the greatest golfer of all time. Even people with only a casual interest in the game can rattle off his sports achievements:  He was the only golfer ever to win all four major championships in the same year; For 7 consecutive years he won at least one national championship and 13 of 21 major championships.  And of course, in 1926 he achieved the staggering feat of being the only amateur to win both the US and British Open Championships. All this from an amateur who never had a formal lesson and only played about 80 rounds of golf a year!

Though many know his immortal achievements on the links, how many golfers know the details of his heroic life and exemplary character? Jones achieved greatness in his life off the golf course as well. He earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and English Literature from Harvard. He passed the bar exam after attending Emory University Law School for only one year. Shortly after winning the Grand Slam, Jones retired from competitive golf and built a highly respected law practice in Atlanta. The scholar-athlete proved himself an astute businessman as well and amassed a fortune as a golf teacher, writer, and course designer.

Warner Brothers studios produced 12 short instructional films starring Jones entitled “How I Play Golf”. In these enjoyable films, Bobby explained the secrets of his game from tee to green. Hollywood stars such as James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, W.C. Fields, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Loretta Young gladly volunteered to appear with the great Bobby Jones in his films. Entertaining and educational, these delightful films stand the test of time as Bobby’s charm and grace shine through alongside his expert advice on how to play the game.

Shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Jones volunteered at age 40 and received a commission as a Captain in the U. S. Army Air Corp. He saw combat during the Normandy invasion and left the Army as a lieutenant colonel. Jones never spoke of his war experiences and deflected any praise for his service.

Later in life, Bobby Jones was struck with an incurable spinal disease which eventually left the great athlete in a wheelchair. He refused to complain and responded to questions about his disease with the statement, “We all have to play the ball as it lies.”. His stoicism and courage in the face of his tragic circumstances reflected the greatness of his character.

Bobby Jones is immortalized not just for his remarkable accomplishments on the golf course, but also for the sportsmanship, humility, and grace with which he lived his heroic life.

Written by Art Thornton with Fairway Rewards

Fairway Rewards offers concierge services, golf gift cards, and complete tournament planning that can save you time and money.  For information contact fairwayrewards.com, or call us at 1-877-270-7273.

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Tags: Bobby Jones, Champion, Golfer, Great Golfer, Legend