MARCH 17, 1902
Happy birthday, Bobby Jones, born this day in 1902.
The greatest amateur golfer of all time was born in Atlanta. By 14, he was a golf prodigy and competing on the national stage. When he was 28, he completed a Grand Slam in a single season and retired from the game.
More: July 15, 1931: Bobby Jones announces plans for Augusta golf course
More: View a selection of photos from Bobby Jones
Golf’s loss was Augusta’s good fortune. Looking to build a private club that would serve as a retreat, Jones settled on Augusta and a tract of land off Washington Road.
The rest is history: Jones built Augusta National Golf Club, and soon the Masters Tournament was launched.
Thousands of golf fans flock to Augusta each spring to see the game’s best compete.
More: Explore the word’s leading news site for Masters Tournament coverage