WELCOME TO THE
BOB JONES
INVITATIONAL
CHARITY GOLF EVENT
August 7-9th, 2025 Highlands Country Club, NC
Our History
Bob Jones Invitational Charity Event
In 1921 a group of amateur golfers from the United States and Great Britain gathered at Royal Liverpool Golf Club to play an informal match between the two countries. One of those golfers was my grandfather, Bobby Jones, then an impetuous nineteen-year-old. The following year, the match was formally named for George Herbert Walker, president of the United States Golf Association. The matches are played every two years and feature the best amateur golfers from the United States and Great Britain/Ireland. My grandfather played in five Walker Cups, captaining two teams. In addition to all of his golfing accomplishments, he holds the unique distinction of being undefeated in singles matches throughout all of his Walker Cup matches. Bobby Jones, "Bob" to his friends, also holds another unique distinction. On a spring day in 1928, he struck the opening tee shot at Highlands Country Club. He had a profound love for Highlands Country Club and the town of Highlands, spending many summers in this charming town until his health made the trip from Atlanta almost too difficult to manage.
About Our Event
In 1982, Highlands Country Club established a pro-am, the Bob Jones Invitational, held each August to honor my grandfather and support the local hospital. As costs increased and travel to and from Highlands became more complicated for professionals, then chairman Walter Wattles looked for ways to continue the tournament. During a conversation with Charlie Yates, the great amateur golfer and friend of my grandfather, the two men struck up a novel idea: As a way to honor my grandfather and amateur golf, the tournament would be changed from a pro-am to an am-am with a twist. The teams would be captained by Walker Cup players. It was a wonderful idea and the Bob Jones Invitational has continued with the novel format since 1990. It is now the largest annual gathering of former Walker Cup players in the United States. The fellowship enjoyed and the quality of play would have my grandfather beaming with pride. Since 1982, the tournament has raised over $6 million for the benefit of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation.
The event begins with a Walker Cup Reunion dinner on Thursday evening providing an opportunity for the Walker Cup players to renew acquaintances. Practice rounds are held on Friday for the team captains and their amateur partners followed by "cocktails and golf tales" and culminating with a casual Southern supper at the Club. On Saturday the tournament kicks off with a 9:30 shotgun start. Prizes for the individual as well as team play are awarded at a formal dinner (complete with bagpiper) that evening. Also on Saturday, a luncheon is held for the spouses and their hostesses. The Tournament provides housing for team captains and their spouses/significant others as well as a stipend to help cover participants' travel expenses.
​
My family and I enthusiastically support this wonderful tournament that honors our grandfather.
​
​
​
Dr. Bob Jones IV
Honorary Chairman
Bob Jones Invitational
2025 Event Dates
7th
Thursday
AUGUST
Reunion Dinner
8th
Friday
AUGUST
Practice Round
Major Sponsor Cocktail Party
9th
Saturday
AUGUST
Tournament
Ladies
(hosts & spouses of captains)
Croquet & Luncheon
Awards Banquet
Tournament Committee
Dr. Robert Jones, IV (Honorary Chair)
Ed Crenshaw (Co-Chair)
Anne Bailey (Co-Chair)
Wayne Beckner
Mike Campbell
Helen Hobbs
Jim Holtgrieve (WC Liaison)
Ben Newton
Cindy Mills
Adam Mitchell (WC Liaison)
Stan Starnes
Danny Yates (WC Liaison)
Ken Mattis, PGA Golf Pro
Tara Southern, Administrator
Our Charity Partner
All proceeds benefit the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation.
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation 348 South 5th Street, Suite 221, Highlands, NC 28741 was formed subsequent to the acquisition of the hospital for the express purpose of improving the health and well-being of the residents of the Highlands Plateau. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or 919-807-2214 (outside North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.