A Legacy You Need To Know: The Remarkable Impact Of Bobby Jones

When you hear the term "legacy," who is the first person to come to mind? During a round of golf at the iconic East Lake Golf Club last fall, one name became more apparent to me than ever: Bobby Jones.

Who Was Bobby Jones?

Bobby Jones was perhaps the most influential golfer ever to grace the green! He won thirteen Major Championships when the four majors were the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur Championship, British Open, and British Amateur Championship. He even achieved the impossible by winning all four majors in a single year, making him the only player to win a "grand slam." He also helped design Augusta National and co-founded The Masters Tournament.

The memories Jones made on the East Lake green while growing up solidified his love for the game. To add even more to the history of course was Tiger Woods capping off his comeback with has win at East Lake in 2018!

Touring East Lake Golf Club

Arriving at the Club for my tee time, the staff's warm hospitality immediately set the tone, and I met my caddy for the day. Since my first job in high school was as a caddy, I appreciate that they weighed my bag to ensure it was not too heavy for him.

The next stop was the Clubhouse, which alone made the trip worthwhile! The place was essentially a museum dedicated to Bobby Jones, and as a golf enthusiast, I was in heaven. The trophies from his grand slam year are displayed near the front door, and all kinds of memorabilia are scattered throughout.

It's safe to say that I was already in love with this place, and I hadn't even teed off yet!

The Round

The golf was outstanding. Walking the pristine turf on this famously walking-only course gave me time to immerse myself in the surroundings. The fast, firm Bermuda greens provided a great test, but the biggest challenge was the thick rough. Missing the fairways caused the ball to sink into the thick rough, making it very difficult to have consistent contact on the next shot! The 18th hole returning to the Club House was spectacular, with the approach shot back across the water.

While playing the round, it was impossible NOT to keep thinking about Bobby Jones. I felt in awe of his legacy when standing on the same fairways he once graced. Despite never turning pro, he established enduring traditions. Today, his rich legacy appears in everything from course design to tournament organization.

What do you want your legacy to be?

We can't all be Bobby Jones, but we CAN all protect our legacy in concrete ways. Estate Planning is essential to ensure that your wishes are known and fulfilled (and potentially reduce the estate's tax burden).

Think estate planning is only for the super-rich? It’s not! Everyone should create an estate strategy to ensure their legacy lives on.

Don't hesitate to ask our team if you have questions or need a referral to a local Estate Attorney - we're here to help.