Bobby Jones Once Placed a High-Stakes Bet on Himself and Cashed Out Handsomely at 50-1 Odds

When Bobby Jones was active, the golf scene was flourishing. To this day, Jones remains one of golf’s original icons, who didn’t even play for a long time. However, one thing that stands out in Jones’ career was his unofficial Grand Slam.

Achieving something no one ever had, Jones ended up making the most out of his competitive journey.

Interestingly, Bobby Jones did not play professionally. He did, however, do well for himself.

How did Bobby Jones make his money?

Now, what many might not know, is that Jones was also a good lawyer. As he was only an amateur during his active years, the money he made came from him working as a lawyer.

That, and the $60,000 he earned by betting on himself.

READ MORE: WATCH: Viktor Hovland Almost Hits Dustin Johnson With His Approach Shot at the 2022 Valspar Championship

Back in 1930, Jones was in line to win the Grand Slam title. The odds were 50-1, making it a risky move. However, Jones managed to win the impossible and ended up making sixty thousand from the British people who accepted the bet. Overall, this is a perfect example of how determined one can be.

That being said, fans could not overlook the fact that if Jones did that today, he would be suspended. While it was allowed in 1930, betting on yourself is illegal today. In fact, it is unethical for players to bet on games in general.

Furthermore, some added that it was not Jones who bet on himself. Some simply remembered the legend, while others pointed out how different that time was.

Of course, one can never disregard Jones’ stunning talent as a golfer. Irrespective of him betting or not, he was an icon. Moreover, he even played a role in the Masters being invented.

How well did Jones play?

Though he retired when he was 28, Jones played 31 tournaments. He won 13 of them. Naturally, winning the US Open, the Open Championship, the US Amateur and the Amateur Championship in 1930 was the icing on the cake for him. It was the Grand Slam title back then and made sure to immortalize Jones and his career.

READ MORE: Henrik Stenson and Zach Johnson Share Words of Respect After Being Named Ryder Cup Captains

Jones was also referred to as a perfectionist, who started out young. “I was full of pie, ice cream, and inexperience. To me, golf was just a game to beat someone. I didn’t know that someone was me,” Jones said.

In the end, he retired with 13 majors. Though Jones was limited to a wheelchair in the latter half of his life, his work continued to speak. After all, with such amazing wins, there must be countless Bobby Jones stories waiting to be told.