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The first seven years of Jones' golfing career were known as The Lean Years. Expected to win everything, he couldn't touch the major tournaments, fading time after time in the stretch. But it was a trip to St. Andrews' in 1921 that sparked a dramatic change: the dawning of The Fat Years. He had shot well during the first days of the British Open Championship, but encountered bad weather and horrible golf in his third round. He embarrassingly tore his scorecard in half and disqualified himself from play. His temper had proven what a child he still was, and sparked a public humiliation that became the "turning point" of his career.

It was not until Jones learned to discipline his competitive passions at age 21 that he began to win some major tournaments. Thereafter, his self-control became unmatched. His struggle to contain his emotions on the golf course is a classic study in human nature, and in human achievement.

When he returned to St. Andrews six years later, he won the "Claret Jug" and humbly asked the citizens if they would forgive him for his intemperance and be kind enough to keep the trophy on his behalf. Three years later, in 1930, he solidified his friendship when he returned to win the British Amateur Championship and went on to win the Grand Slam (US & British Amateur and Open Championships). Bobby Jones had reluctantly emerged as an international hero.

When he won the British Amateur at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, a band was set to play him in but never got to sound a note, so complete was the pandemonium. New York gave him the traditional ticker tape parade up Broadway when he added the British Open win to his Amateur title. He had been given a similar parade several years earlier when he became the first man, amateur or professional, to ever win both the United States and British Opens. He remains to this day the only person ever to have been given two such parades up Broadway.

06 February 2012