Long-time golf writer Stan Awtrey list Bobby Jones' five greatest victories.
1. 1923 U.S. Open at Inwood Country Club, New York
This was important because it was the first major championship for Jones. He led by three shots entering the final day, but faltered and allowed Bobby Cruickshank to catch him on the 72nd hole. In the 18-hole playoff, the duo was all-square going to the last hole, and Jones hit a 2-iron to within eight feet and made birdie.
2. 1924 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club
Jones made his U.S. Amateur debut at Merion eight years earlier when he was only 14. Jones was dominant all week. He routed Francis Ouimet 11-and-10 in the semifinals and trounced George Von Elm 9-and-8 in the final match.
3. 1925 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club
This victory is significant because the final match was over his college friend from Georgia Tech, Georgia Golf Hall of Famer Watts Gunn. It was the only time two players from the same city ever met for the U.S. Amateur title.
4. 1927 British Open at St. Andrews
Jones won the tournament by six shots, but also won over the hearts of the people. In his previous appearance at St. Andrews for the 1921 Open, Jones walked off the course in anger during the middle of the third round. After his victory, he asked that the Claret Jug remain at the club rather than return home with him.
5. 1930 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club
This was the victory that completed the Grand Slam. Having already won the British Amateur, British Open and U.S. Open, Jones needed only the U.S. Amateur to hold all four majors. He amazed the crowds at Merion, survived tough matches in the fourth round and semifinals, and defeated Eugene Homans 8-and-7 in the final.
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