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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