Autographs of Golfing Great Bobby Jones

Bobby Tyre Jones Jr. is acknowledged by many as the world’s greatest amateur golfer. At the age of 14, Jones won his first tournament, the U.S. Amateur. Only fourteen years later, Jones gained fame for winning the first “Grand Slam” of golf. In that same year, Jones won the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, the British Open, and the British Amateur. Playing as an amateur, Jones won thirteen major tournaments held in America and Great Britain before retiring at the age of 28.

Jones preferred the first name “Robert” over “Bobby.” He rarely signed his name as as “Bobby Jones.” Jones usually signed his name as “Robt. T. Jones, Jr.” or as “Bob” for close friends. Letters or photographs that Jones signed for his family were usually signed “Rob.” Many modern sports items such as golf clubs, bags, and clothing are imprinted with a “Bobby Jones” signature. The only check signed that is known to exist with Bobby Jones as maker of the check is autographed with his full name, Robert T. Jones, Jr.

Signatures of Bobby Jones were distinct and easy to read up until he developed syringomyelia in 1947. reasonably clear and recognizable. Jones signed his name with a flourishing “R” in “Robert” that was not attached to the rest of his signature. The “T” of his middle name connected his first and last names. Jones placed periods after his middle initial and after “Jr.” In some instances, Jones placed periods after “Robt” and after the “s” in his last name. Jones was an obliging signer of autographs. It was common for him to spend many hours at golf tournaments and other functions where he spent hours signing autographs for his many fans.

Bobby Jones remained very much involved with golf until his death in 1971. His films on golf instruction popularized the sport and his design of the Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia revolutionized golf course architecture. Autographs of Bobby Jones are coveted by autograph collectors in recognition of one of the greatest of all sports heroes.