Sometimes we need to remember the true greatness.
Most people forget his immense popularity across the US and Europe.
It is fairly safe to say he was more popular and loved than anyone we have seen since the 1950's and the decline of America's age of innocence.
Some Facts:
1. In 1930 at the age of 28, Bobby Jones Retired as an American Hero due to health reasons.
2. He retired after winning the "only" Grand Slam in Golf ever achieved.
3. Jones won 7 of the last 10 major championships he played in, he finished 2nd twice during that time.
4. He won 13 of his last 18 with 4 2nd place finishes.
5. He only played his own tournament "The Masters" after 1930.
When people consider the greatest golfers of all time, Jones has to be considered the starting point.
We are sometimes slanted because of our familiarity with the modern players.
We excuse the current equipment, course conditions and medical advancements when discounted the past performances. If you consider the age factor and major wins, none of the recent players match up in historical context to Mr. Jones. People can say the players are better now, but Jones played the best golfers in the world and was more dominant than anyone in history.
j
1 comment:
Good stuff, though I think the golf establishment in general has kept Jones' reputation pretty intact over the years. I'd like to see some stuff on Walter Hagen, another forgotten great.
S
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