Bobby Jones

“I am delighted to write this introduction celebrating the life and journey of Bobby Jones.

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, thousands of miles from Atlanta, Georgia, but Bobby Jones's story undoubtedly helped inspire mine and as a result gave me the opportunity to come full circle.

When Bobby Jones retired from competitive golf to devote himself to his family, his legal profession and perhaps the greatest achievement of his life by creating the Augusta National Golf Club, I had to do facing the vagaries of my own life and my own journey.

I believe Bobby Jones' greatest achievement was the founding of the Augusta National Golf Club and not his incredible achievements as a golfer. He wanted a place to meet his friends, family and business associates. It was the Augusta National Golf Club.

He chooses Alister MacKenzie as co-designer of the course and banker Clifford Roberts as co-partner. Their collective vision for the creation of the Masters was brilliant because as it grew, the tournament overcame the financial crisis of 1929. The Augusta National became the place of the friendship so cherished by Bobby Jones. In Saint Andrews, Scotland, in October 1958, he confided: "A life is rich and full when you have friends."

I have been fortunate in my life to meet both Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones and become their friend. These two men welcomed me to their club and helped me win three Masters. During my time at Augusta, Mr. Jones behaved like a father figure to me, offering me advice on how to play and win on this course. When I once asked him how to handle hole 4, his response was, "Boy, you're not supposed to birdie, always play par!" "

I will never forget Mr. Jones' presence at Augusta National. His dignity, his kindness, his words, his smile. I remember he had this terrible arthritis in his hands and at the Champions' dinner I cut his steak for him. How could I express to you my feeling of doing this for a man I loved and admired so much?

I am honored to know that this Eternal Bobby Jones book is supported by his grandson, Robert Tire Jones IV. I know he does his best for the Foundation named after his grandfather that helps syringomyelia patients. We always need a guide or a mentor to get through some trials and tribulations in our life.

Many thanks to Frédéric Lecomte-Dieu for his dedication to the memory of Bobby Jones. He is a wonderful example for all golfers and people around the world to follow. I have tried in my life to imitate him and every time I come to the Masters I hear his voice calling me. Thank you, Mr. Jones, I greet you. "

Gary Player

This book is the result of two years of work, research and writing. More than 220 rare photographs, accompanied by unpublished anecdotes. The book has received official support from the family of the founder of the Augusta National Golf Club and the sole holder of the Grand Slam to date. Robert Tire Jones IV, moved by the homage paid to his grandfather, gives in this book his feelings on the legacy of this exceptional man. South African champion Gary Player wrote the introduction, “Jones was a father to me”.

As for the voice of golf, former professional and unrivaled commentator of the British Open, the late Peter Alliss, he had agreed to write a few lines to thank the author, Frédéric Lecomte-Dieu, for this work. “My father, Percy, knew him very well. ".

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