Robert Tyre Jones Jr. achieved an unprecedented Grand Slam in 1930, winning the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, British Open, and British Amateur in a single calendar year. As a lifelong amateur golfer, he dominated the professional circuit between 1923 and 1930, capturing 13 major championships before retiring from competitive play at the age of 28.
Early Development and Education
Born in Atlanta on March 17, 1902, Jones initially took up golf to improve his health during childhood. He learned the sport at the East Lake Golf Club under the guidance of Stewart Maiden. By age 14, he won the inaugural Georgia Amateur Championship. His academic path included a mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1922, an English literature degree from Harvard in 1924, and subsequent legal studies at Emory University.
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Between 1923 and 1930, Jones asserted control over the sport's highest levels. In 1926, he became the first player to win both the Open Championship and U.S. Open in one year. He maintained his amateur status throughout his career while working as a lawyer. Over 31 major championship appearances, he finished in the top ten 27 times, frequently outperforming professional peers such as Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen.
Legacy and Augusta National
Following his retirement from competition in 1930, Jones focused on course design and administration. He founded Augusta National Golf Club in 1933 and co-founded the Masters Tournament, which launched in 1934. These projects introduced structural innovations that became standard for professional golf events globally. He made periodic exhibition appearances through 1948, including his final round at East Lake.
Final Years
In his later life, Jones suffered from syringomyelia, a neurological condition that eventually prevented him from walking. He also struggled with cardiovascular disease, which caused his death on December 18, 1971, in Atlanta. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery. Beyond his athletic career, he practiced law in Atlanta at the firm Jones, Evins, Moore and Howell, which served as a predecessor to Alston & Bird.
Fast facts
- Born: March 17, 1902, Atlanta
- Died: December 18, 1971, Atlanta
- Education: Georgia Tech, Harvard, Emory University
- Primary Occupation: Lawyer
- Major Championship Wins: 13
- Career Peak: 1923–1930
- Burial Place: Oakland Cemetery
- Professional Recognition: World Golf Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
Did Bobby Jones ever turn professional?
No, he remained an amateur throughout his entire competitive golf career while working as a lawyer.
Why was the Masters Tournament created?
Jones co-founded the event in 1934 as a fixture for the Augusta National Golf Club, which he helped design.
