The Wit and Wisdom of Bobby Jones
Sidney L. Matthew is a Florida trial attorney with a long-time sideline interest in all things Bobby Jones.
His latest book, The Wit and Wisdom of Bobby Jones, is clearly intended for gift-giving, and the upcoming Father’s Day celebration is a perfect opportunity.
Matthew gathered together pithy snippets of Jones’ own written commentary about golf from a variety of sources, including but not limited to Bobby Jones on Golf, Golf is My Game, and the foreword Jones wrote for The World of Golf.
Some of Jones’ pieces remain timely today for the practical playing tips they impart, such as this one I wish I could follow more often:
We hear “slow back” on every side, but “slow back” is not enough. There are numbers of players who are able to restrain their impulses to this extent, but who, once back, literally pounce on the ball with uncontrolled fury. It is the leisurely start downward which provides for a gradual increase of speed without disturbing the balance and timing of the swing.
Other bits give some clues to Jones’ own self-assessment:
I have … come to think that the man who goes placidly on his way is often the easiest fellow to beat, for it is only the high-strung temperament that rises above its own ability to meet a great occasion.
Matthew’s editing produced a slim, fast-reading 86 pages of these tantalizing fragments of Jones’ writing, usually three to four to a page. They provide a glimpse into the character and thought processes of a famous golfer who was also blessed with the ability to communicate.
Review Date: May 26, 2003