Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

March 2017: Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story, an exhibition about the career and life of famed golfer Bobby Jones, opened in the newly renovated Imlay Gallery at the Atlanta History Center on March 17, 2017, Mr. Jones’ 115th birthday. John and Mary Ellen Imlay and The Imlay Foundation were among the initial major funders of this exhibition on Bobby Jones, the only individual for whom a permanent exhibit at the Atlanta History Center is dedicated, more than 15 years ago. The Imlay Foundation is very pleased to play a key role in providing support for the current renovation and reinstallation of this tribute to one of Atlanta’s most famous sons.

While dozens of male and female athletes excelled in the “Golden Age of American Sport,” none captured the public imagination quite like Bobby Jones. For a career that launched six decades before the birth of Tiger Woods, Bobby Jones is credited with popularizing golf on an international stage. His sportsmanship called attention to the game’s best traditions, and his success and character on and off the course inspired generations to this day. Bobby Jones transcended sports during the Great Depression and became an American hero at a time when the nation most needed one. Jones is considered the greatest amateur to play the game. Between 1923 and 1930 he won 13 majors, culminating with the Grand Slam season of 1930 when he won the British Amateur, British Open, U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur. Upon his retirement at age 28, Jones founded and helped design the Augusta National Golf Club and co-founded the Masters Tournament, and also founded Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta. Jones was also an accomplished lawyer and prominent businessman in Atlanta up until his death in 1971.

John Imlay was passionate about preserving the legacy of Bobby Jones throughout his life, and the new exhibition and gallery renovation honor John’s passion as well as the continuing impact of Bobby Jones’ life on his beloved community and the game of golf.