Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > October > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOnce again pay tribute to Bobby Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So much of history is swallowed up by the passing of time, but some events of significance cut their way through the daily headlines. One such of those took center stage at Atlanta History Center this week, an observance of one of Atlanta’s most celebrated citizens. Mainly in this section of the news Robert Tyre Jones Jr. is revered as an athlete, but I feel safe in suggesting that he was the most unusual athlete I have ever known. At the age of 28, after winning every major title there was to be won in golf, he retired. Then made films, was the motivating energy behind the most famous golf course in this nation at Augusta, practiced law, then suffered the indignity of a cruel disease that eventually took his life, almost a cell at a time.
Fifty years ago this weekend, Bobby Jones was honored in a way only one other American has ever known. He was summoned to St. Andrews in Scotland to receive what that lovely old town calls “Freedom of the City,” a reverential honor reserved for only. … well, this is how the presenting Provost described it: “We welcome an old an dearly beloved friend, not only as a golfer but a man of outstanding character, courage and accomplishment well worthy to adorn the roll of our Honorary Burgesses.”
Only one other American, Benjamin Franklin before him, in 1759, has received the honor, and none other since.
In Jones’ life, this represented a healing, for at St. Andrews, in 1921, as a petulant 20-year-old, he threw a fit, or as he put it, “the most inglorious failure of my golfing life.” Playing in his first British Open, he became so disgusted with his game that he picked up on the 11th hole, tore up his card and stalked off the course.
Now, to be honored in such a way, improbable.
He had redeemed himself in many ways. “Beginning with the puzzled dislike I had felt for the Old Course when I first played it in 1921, I had come to love it,” he said later. And so it was that on the Old Course in 1930 he won the British Amateur, which later he called “the most important tournament of my life,” and was summarily boosted off the course on the shoulders of Scottish celebrants. Thus, his yet unequalled Grand Slam was set in motion, the British Amateur and Open and the U.S. Amateur and Open.
His return in 1958 had a double purpose, as honorary captain of the American team in the first World Amateur Team Championship, and to be honored by the city of St. Andrews. By this time he had been handicapped for ten years and the deadly ailment known as syringomyelia was slowly sapping his life. But he made the trip, with family, and his walking sticks, a strenuous venture. The airliner lost an engine and had to turn back to Newfoundland, thus the Joneses arrived a day late. Younger Hall, at the university, was packed for the presentation. Jones would accept no assistance, but struggled to the podium by himself, whereupon his most emotional expression was this:
“I could take everything out of my life, everything except my experiences at St. Andrews, and I’d still have a rich and full life.”
The breach was officially healed. He was then driven through the throng in the hall, “people reaching out just to touch and say his name,” said his daughter, Mary Ellen, “then broke out singing ‘will ye no’ come back again,’ well knowing he never would.”
So we all sang it again Friday evening in the History Center, and celebrated the Golden Anniversary of Jones’ Freedom of the City, sealing it away in memory, never to be swallowed up by time.
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Comments
By T to the D
October 11, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
This column is as good as any that you’ve penned.
By Papa
October 11, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Auld lang syne, Mr. B, auld lang syne. Thank you.
By GT2882B
October 12, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
What a talent!
By ediths
October 12, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this
It was complications of the diease that he died from not the diease itsself. Wonderful man
By The Fight Realtor
October 12, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the insight, Mr. Bisher. Enjoyable, as always.
By Boots
October 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
I’ve always been fascinated by Bobby Jones—- not just for his unique talent on the golf course —- but for his tremendous intellect and contributions to his community and the world.
And, oh, what a sweet golf swing as he whipped those ol’ wooden shafts through the ball.
By H. A.
October 13, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, You have delighted us once again. Although you are a reporter without peer, on occasion you offer us a gem as a popular historian. This column ranks among your best in that genre. It is an excellent example of the best writing about the best. Thank you.
Who rivals Bob Jones as a golfer or as a man? His gifts were extraordinary. Golfing, designing, writing… it is almost as if everything he touched became golden… and remains so in our memories.
I will agree with each previous poster. One simply cannot say enough about Mr. Jones. And the historic event at St. Andrews, so beautifully remembered over the weekend, gives us a true, stirring and memorable portrait - for all time.
By Donald Smith
October 13, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
One of my favorite programs in the 1970s was Alistair Cook’s “America.” In one episode it opened with Mr. Cook standing at the Augusta National. He said that Bobby Jones took a penalty stroke and lost a tournament by one stroke. A reporter asked him why he took the stroke when no one saw his mistake. He told the reporter, “I would have known,” or something like that. Mr. Cook pointed out that until that time sports heroes were never revered for humility, but that Bobby Jones changed all that. He must have been a remarkable man.
By richbrave
October 13, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
H.A:
FURMAN wants to develop an article on the comparatives between EDDIE MATHEWS and CHIP JONES since he covered them both as a reporter. MORE HISTORY which I for one can hardly wait to read. Surely as significant as this report on the great MR. JONES.
By doningeorgia
October 14, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Thanks Furman. Many times I read the sports pages from cover to cover over my coffee, eggs and bacon, but rarely does much stick to me. But Furman. Furman Bisher with his wise and colorful ways with words and story. Well, he gives me pause to listen as well as read. And I like what he does with the words and stories he tells. When there is a story and no one else can see it and say it, Furman can. Course I’m old in years and can relate to the better told stories about the world we live in but none but Furman moves me to delight and laughter for what I’ve just seen. Thanks Mr. Bisher
By Chris Jackson
October 14, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
You and Jones have something in common You’ve both been dead 50 years but, You won’t go away die you idiot Bobby Jones is as irrelevant as your columns you suck and must be buried
By terry
October 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
To hell with you, chris jackson(small case, as in your character and worth to mankind).
By I Bleed White and Gold
October 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
I’m a Gainesville Georgia native. I started reading the Atlanta Journal and the Atlanta Constitution as a lad in the early 50’s. I read Outlar and Bisher every day.
I still am blessed to read Bisher whenever he posts a column.
It distresses me to read the negative claptrap such as is posted by chris jackson. I would appreciate postings like that being pulled from the blog.
By Gene
October 16, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher is at his best when he reaches into his long career for articles such as this one. I remember seeing Bobby Jones around Atlanta during the 1950’s. I was too young to know much about him, but my father held him in awe. I agree with the gentleman above who urges Mr. Bisher to give us something on Eddie Matthews. I remember seeing Matthews at Ponce de Leon Park with my father and brother when I was very small. I had his baseball card from 1957 that I gave to a female Matthews admirer a few years ago who broke into tears. There is a story from when Eddie managed the Braves and found a player reading a paperback book in the dugout. Matthews tore the book to pieces and threatened the young player with a thrashing, which Eddie could easily deliver. Sadly, Matthews’ life came to a tragic and unhappy end a few years ago.
By Larry Kilgore
October 16, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks again Furman for the insight to such a time and place and indiviual. Bobby Jones was an Atlanta treasure as you are. Only treasures know treasures. Sadly, treasures are disappearing as fast as people fail to recognize them.
Larry Kilgore
By Dogbyte
October 16, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Thank you Furman, for another excellent column and tribute to a wonderful gentleman. The phrase “greatest golfer who ever lived” is thrown around carelessly these days. Those of us who saw what he accomplished with the equipment of his day, know how inaccurate that phrase is when it is applied to anyone but Mr. Jones.
By kb
October 16, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Your column should never be missed. I can remember when, as a boy, it was a daily mission to read Bisher in the Journal and Outlar in the Constitution. Thank you for them all. They are still a cut above.
By gtjackets
October 17, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Phi Alpha, Mr. Jones.
By geno
October 19, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
You wouldnt last two minutes out here in vegas bisher…football rules. for gods sake man…BOBBY JONES, look at the calender dude….thats right its 2008…2008 man. just like the other stupid white boy sport…..baseball(yawn), golf is obsessed with history, which means it is dying a slow death….Sorry bisher, its 2008 man, wake up, nobody cares about bobby jones.
By Francis Dukes
October 20, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
I remember Bobby Jones when, in 1941, he came to Marist to pick up his son, Bobby III. Jones wore an Army Air Force uniform. He was either a captain or Major, I’ve forgotten which. Unusually handsome and just taking some time off to pick up his son. Despite Geno’s comments,above, Jones will always be remembered as a great and wonderful American.
By D.B. Cooper
October 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, O.B.K. would say well done.
By KC Kid
October 23, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Geno and Chris Jackson,
You’re both slimy, greasy little worms that aren’t worthy to read what Bisher writes.
May God have mercy on your souls.
By OldDawg55
October 23, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
From those early days in the 50’s when I first began reading your columns I’ve been impressed with the passion..and compassion..of your journalism. This was truly an excellent example! Bobby Jones will remain a giant of a man in sport’s and Georgia history and bears revisiting over and over. Thanks for a great story..and to Jackson and Geno..I feel sorry for you..such small minds..so very small!
By Jim OBrien
October 31, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Just happened across your column, and enjoyed it so much. Thank you!!
Years ago, the Golf Channel had a video of Mr Jones’ last trip to St Andrews. Very stirring indeed, especially the singing of “Will ye no come back again”. Do you know where I might get a copy of that video?
Appreciate your assistance, Jim OBrien
By DNCBulldawg
November 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, I apologize on behalf of all your devoted readers for the rude and crude comments by chris jackson and geno who obviously know not a thing.
Your memories of Bobby Jones and other Georgia Giants preserve the history of sports in the state in poetically, published prose that no museum could pretend. Sir, please, keep telling us these stories!