Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones (Robert Tyre Jones Jr., 1902–1971) was an iconic American amateur golfer, lawyer, and visionary who co-founded Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Jones dominated the golf world in the 1920s, famously achieving the only Grand Slam in golf history in 1930 by winning the U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur, and British Amateur all in the same year.

Following his retirement from competitive golf at age 28, Jones pursued the creation of a private golf club where he could play in peace and privacy. In 1932, with business partner Clifford Roberts, Jones purchased the Fruitlands estate in Augusta, Georgia, transforming it into Augusta National Golf Club. He collaborated closely with famed architect Alister MacKenzie to design a course blending strategy, challenge, and natural beauty. The club quickly gained attention and in 1934 launched the Augusta National Invitational Tournament, renamed The Masters in 1939, which became one of golf’s premier annual events.

Jones’ influence extended beyond playing and course design—he pioneered golf instruction, golf equipment innovations, and was a respected lawyer and entrepreneur. Diagnosed with a rare spinal disease later in life, he devoted himself to philanthropy and maintaining the legacy of the sport he transformed. Bobby Jones remains one of golf’s most celebrated figures for his humility, integrity, and lasting contributions to the game.