What Is the Bob Jones Award? Meet the Past Recipients of the USGA’s Highest Honor

Tiger Woods added another feather to his cap. The USGA announced the 48-year-old as the recipient of the Bob Jones Award for 2024. With this, the 15-time Major winner joined the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and other Hall of Famers who have previously earned the prestigious award.

Tiger Woods won the U.S. Amateur three consecutive times between 1994 and 1996. Before that, Woods was also a three-peat U.S. junior amateur between 1991 and 1993. Also add to that his three U.S. Open triumphs in 2000, 2002, and 2008. The award, however, celebrates the veteran’s legacy off the course rather than achievements inside the greens.

The Bob Jones Award honors the values established by a former amateur star

The award recognizes a golfer’s commitment to sportsmanship and golf’s highly valued traditions. The purpose of its creation was to honor Bob Jones, also known as Robert Tyre Jones Jr. Jones, a child prodigy, completed his career Grand Slam, then comprising the U.S. Open, US Amateur, British Open, and British Amateur, in 1930. 

Jones was also an innovator and golf course architect. The veteran linksman helped establish Augusta National and designed the course with Alister Mackenzie before kickstarting the Masters. It’s perhaps fitting that Woods, a five-time Masters champion, was bestowed with the Bob Jones Award. Additionally, the amateur star also designed the Peachtree Golf Club, partnering with Robert Jones Jr. 

Previously, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Gary Player, George H.W. Bush, Davis Love III, and Annika Sorenstam have received the prestigious honor. “This award goes beyond playing performance, recognizing the lasting impact of one person’s journey that has forever changed the image and growth of golf,” Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA, said while announcing Woods’s name.

Tiger Woods received the honor for his off-course impact

Tiger Woods established the TGR Foundation, a philanthropic organization, in 2006. TGR runs National Education Labs, helping underprivileged students fulfill their educational aspirations. In addition, Woods has inspired a generation of golfers. Whan said, “There are very few who stand alongside Tiger Woods in terms of on-course accomplishments, and he is in a class of his own when it comes to the impact he has made on the game and future generations who will play it.”

Woods, a nine-time USGA champion, said in an official statement, “Bob Jones was a pillar of our game because of the integrity with which he played it, and I’m truly humbled to receive the award that bears his name and join the many who have received it before me who continue his legacy.”

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The Hall of Famer is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Woods will receive the Bob Jones Award on June 12 during the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Interestingly, this might also pave the way for his chance at the 2024 U.S. Open, from which he wasn’t otherwise exempt.

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