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.
/ About the Event
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.
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
Here are the dates for
the 2023 weekend:
10
REUNION DINNER
11
PRACTICE ROUND
MAJOR SPONSOR DINNER
12
TOURNAMENT
LADIES CROQUET & LUNCHEON
AWARDS
BANQUET
THURSDAY
AUGUST
​
FRIDAY
AUGUST
SATURDAY
AUGUST
Dr. Robert Jones, IV Hon-Chair
Anne Bailey
Wayne Beckner
Mike Campbell
Tony Davis
Ed Crenshaw
Helen Hobbs
Jim Holtgrieve
Ben Newton
Cindy Mills
Adam Mitchell
Stan Starnes
Danny Yates
Ken Mattis, PGA Golf Pro
Tara Southern, Administrator
Tony Davis - HCC President