Who Are The 50 Best Golfers in History?
20. Bobby Jones
Jones was one of the most charismatic and highly-skilled golfers of his generation, but he played as an amateur, and so it is impossible to truly compare his record with those who became professionals. However, he did win seven events that are considered major championships today for professionals.
He remains the only person to win the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, British Amateur and British Open in the same year. It was dubbed the Grand Slam. Practically speaking, it is unlikely that anyone will ever do that again because of the money in professional golf.
Jones won his first U.S. Open in 1923 defeating Bobby Cruikshank in a playoff. He won his first British Open in 1926, defeating Al Waltrous. In his second U.S. Open victory in 1926, he defeated Joe Turnesa. In his second British Open victory in 1927, he was six shots ahead of the field. His third U.S. Open title also came in a playoff in 1927. He defeated Al Espinosa.
Finally, in 1930, he won both events for the second time, beating Leo Diegel and Macdonald Smith at the British Open and beating Macdonald Smith for the U.S. Open. Jones is tied with Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Willie Anderson as winners of four U.S. Opens.
Next: No 19 - Inbee Park