I recently visited Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta GA. It is here where you can find the grave site of the venerable Bobby Jones, the greatest of all Georgia philanthropists, that left us a few great golf courses (Augusta, East Lake), as well as his collection of golf memorabilia from his playing days that can be found at The Atlanta History Center and The Atlanta Athletic Club.
But it's here at beautiful Oakland Cemetery that you can pay your respects, and it won't cost you a thing.
Many of you know each hole at Augusta is named after a tree specimen. A dozen or so years ago, Oakland Cemetery dedicated these 18 specimens in a configuration around the property. The dead of winter isn't the best showing for the grounds, but there is a metal bench beside the grave...which lends to great reflection...and peacefulness, as there are very few visitors.
Come springtime that will change, as visitors arrive like buds on a flowering Cherry tree. Many come to pay respect to the true gentleman of the game, while others leave mementos that garnish the site.
Each year, right before die hard golf fans make the journey to pay their respects, the SAE fraternity at Georgia Tech cleans the grounds. Why do they ritually do that? Because Jones was a member their when he attended Tech. And this is a way for the incoming class to get grounded, as the are joining the very historic house.
Golfer's like to start off their golf season by visiting this grave for good luck. Here's hoping that good luck will follow you this golf season!
Thanks for reading. Keep it in the short-grass,
JFB
2 comments:
Nice story, JFB. As someone who enjoys golf history, I'd love to see the Jones burial site. And if I'm really lucky, someday I'll make it to Augusta.
Thanks AG!
There is a lot of golf history in the ATL.
I'll keep my fingers crossed you make it to Augusta someday! It's a wonderful place.
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