Many Bob Jones play in local golf tournament

Robert Tyre "Bobby" Jones is considered by many people to be the greatest amateur golfer ever, and the tournament named after him is coming to Fayette County.

In 1930, he won the U.S. and British opens as well as the U.S. and British amateur championships. He was stricken with syringomyelia, a disease of the spinal nerves, and died in 1971.

Several years later, four gentleman named Bob Jones were playing golf. They decided that they would start a tournament and invite all players named Bob Jones to play. The money they would raise would go toward syringomelia research.

Since then Bob Joneses from around the world have gathered to play golf in his honor. More than 350 Bob Joneses from 38 states and four countries have participated in 22 tournaments.

This year's tournament is at Whitewater Country Club in Fayetteville through July 14. It is the farthest south the tournament has ever been played, surprising when it is considered that the East Lake Country Club was Bobby Jones' home course.

Fayetteville resident Bob Jones (nicknamed Atlanta Bob in the tournaments) has been playing in the tournament for 14 years. He is one of the organizers of this year's tournament and is hoping it is one of the best ever.

The Golf Channel, WSB and Fred Kalil will all be coming out to the tournament this year, and Atlanta Bob is also looking for some celebrity Bob Joneses to get in on the fun.

It is a handicap tournament with different flights. The number of players grows every year and many people return each year to play.

So far, the tournament has raised $128,000 for syringomelia research.

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