The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 3 May, 2014 | Page 44
Play by the Rules!
4
A True Sportsman
In light of the 78th Masters Tournament being played just a few
weeks ago, it only seems fitting that we showcase one of golf’s true
heroes.
Amateur golfer Bobby Jones was undoubtedly one of the best
golfers of all time, his record speaks for itself: four United States
Open titles, three British Open titles, five U.S. Amateur titles and
one British Amateur title. He is, in fact, the only player ever to have
won the Grand Slam (all four major championships) in the same
calendar year (1930).
However, he might have had a fifth U.S. Open title if he hadn’t
been so honest. In the first round of the 1925 U.S. Open at Worcester
Country Club, Jones’ approach shot to the 11th hole’s elevated green
fell short into the deep rough of the embankment. As he took his
stance to pitch onto the green, the head of his club brushed the
grass and caused a slight movement of the ball. Jones immediately
informed his fellow competitor Walter Hagen and the USGA official
covering their group of the error, and after officials were unable
to confirm that the ball had actually moved, they allowed Jones to
make his own ruling on whether or not he should be penalized.
Jones said he was certain the ball had moved and penalized
himself; the decision cost him the outright title, as he would go on
to lose the tournament in a playoff to Willie Macfarlane.
Spectators praised Jones for