Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bobby Jones, one of the legends of the golfing world, was not always the saint that people want to make him out to be. Although he was exceptionally talented, and was known for his good sportsmanship, Bobby also had a temper. In his teen years, Bobby was known as much for club throwing as he was for ball striking. During the years between 1916 and 1923, Bobby didn't win one tournament of any importance because of his temper and lack of self-control. Jones' lowest moment probably came at the 1921 British Open at St. Andrews. He arrived in Britain as a highly regarded boy wonder. Perhaps all the glowing predictions of a bright future went to his head, because Jones came across as cocky and disrespectful to the golfers at St. Andrews, the birthplace of the sport. He called the course "too easy" and "unfair" and considered himself unlucky right up through the final round. Out of contention and frustrated with himself, Bobby Jones simply quit; he ripped up his scorecard and walked off the course. The British press, and the people of St. Andrews in particular, were disgusted by the young American. They referred to him as an "ordinary boy" after all. The whole experience left a bad taste in Jones' mouth. He vowed to change his attitude and make an effort to like St. Andrews. Over the next few years, Bobby Jones went on a tear. He won the U.S. Amateur title four times, the U.S. Open three times and the British Open twice. In 1927, Jones returned to St. Andrews and successfully defended his British Open crown. Then Bobby Jones did something that would endear him to the people of St. Andrew forever. He decided that if he should win, the trophy would not go with him to America, but would stay in St. Andrews. On the eighteenth green, 10,000 Scotsmen cheered when Jones sank the winning putt, and carried him away on their shoulders. In a place where he was once hated and reviled, Bobby Jones was now a hero.
-- Parlette