Inside Label: Bobby Jones 1920's Straw Hat

During the month of June, the age old game of golf is played out in a major tournament known as the U.S. Open. One can trace the origins of the tournament to Bobby Jones, the eye of the golfing world during the roaring 1920’s. Jones was the Babe Ruth of the game of golf, winning the U.S. Open a total of four times within seven years.
Jones was slated as an amateur throughout his entire career, only playing golf as a part-time hobby. In 1930, in his final year of competition, the twenty-eight year old Jones mastered the links of all four major tournaments, the U.S. Open, the U.S. Amateur, the British Open and the British Amateur. This remarkable feat is marveled as one of the greatest accomplishments within American sports.
After removing himself from the spotlight, Jones began making instructional golf videos. His masterful approach served as an influence to the future of the game. Jones was the lead architect behind the course at Augusta National. Jones also founded the illustrious tournament which is played out each year on his course. This tournament is none other than the Masters. After founding the event, and designing the layout of its course, Jones played in it until his health prohibited him from shooting a round of golf.
This woven, pork pie style straw hat was featured by Robert Edward Auctions in their May of 2010 auction. The hat can be traced to the 1920’s, the era in which Jones dominated the links. The outer crown surface is wrapped in a silk like black band. The interior is lined in a brown leather band. Atop the inner crown rests several bold stampings, thus which includes the manufacturer, American Fashion Hats, as well as their associated union. The hat is sized at 6 ¾ and has Jones’ autograph on the outer crown in blue ink. This is a significant historical piece that has preserved the legacy of golfing great, Bobby Jones.

Images: Robert Edward Auctions