Thomas Edgar Stephens (Welsh 1886-1966)
Robert T. Jones Jr., 1952
Collection of the USGA Golf Museum and Library; Gift of Augusta National Golf Club, 1953.19
In a previous article, I said there are some paintings so important that they must be approached with reverence; Bobby Jones’ portrait by Thomas E. Stephens is one of these. We had the distinct pleasure to conserve his painting for the United States Golf Association Museum in Liberty Corner, New Jersey where it continues to be housed. It is doubtful that any golfer in the Western World has not seen an image of this iconic painting and knows the name of Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. (1902-1971) as Bobby Jones he is still considered the best golfer in history, even though he was a weekend golfer. His string of major wins has – even until this day – remained unmatched!
Jones is the ONLY golfer ever credited with a single-season double Grand Slam. He was, without question, the dominant player of the 1920s. Jones co-founded Augusta National Golf Club with Clifford Roberts in 1932 and in 1934 the two founded the Augusta National Golf Club Invitation Tournament, which in 1939 became known as the Masters Tournament.
How great was Bobby Jones? It is not an easy question to answer. In his day, the four majors were the two Open Championships – the British and U.S. – and the two Amateur championships – again, the British and the U.S.; Jones won those events 13 times. This much is certain: you can successfully argue that Jones was the best-ever, his brilliance culminated in 1930 when he won the “Double” Grand Slam of the time: the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, British Open and British Amateur in the same year. He was the first player to win them all and the only golfer to have won all four.
He retired that same year at the age of 28. Tired of the grind and the mental drain, he returned to his law practice.
Jones is considered one of the five giants of the 1920s American sports scene, along with baseball’s Babe Ruth, boxing‘s Jack Dempsey, football‘s Red Grange, and tennis player Bill Tilden.
The painting is by Thomas E. Stephens (1886-1966) a Welsh portrait painter who came to America in 1929. Stephens became a sought-after portraitist by the Army’s most distinguished generals of World War II, commissions from the United States Military Academy as well as noted judges of the time. Stephens painted Dwight D. Eisenhower’s portrait in his army uniform when he was General, the standing portrait was exhibited at the White House during his presidency; and now hangs in the Smithsonian Institutions’ Gallery of Presidents. At Eisenhower’s suggestion, Churchill permitted Stephens to paint his portrait which has sadly disappeared.
Eisenhower was a dear friend of Bobby Jones, built on their love of golf and as members of Augusta National Golf Club. When Jones was considering having his portrait painted, it was Eisenhower who urged him to commission Stephens for the privilege.
The portrait of Bobby Jones was painted in 1952 and in 1953 was given by ninety-nine members of Augusta National Golf Club to the United States Golf Association Museum for their “Golf House” which holds Bobby Jones’ memorabilia. Eisenhower sent a letter to be read on his behalf at the dedication ceremony.
Eisenhower was fond of copying paintings and portraits as a way to develop his artistic skills, he copied Stephens’ Bobby Jones portrait and it is now exhibited at the Augusta National Golf Club.
A limited edition print of the portrait Stephens’s painted widened the exposure of the image; today it has value in its own right.
On championship Sunday of the Masters Tournament, when the coveted and iconic Green Jacket is presented to the winner in Butler’s Cabin, look at the picture that hangs in the center of the scene – it is one of the limited edition prints– millions see it on that championship Sunday in April during the televised ceremony. Keep in mind when you see the print that there is a painting proudly exhibited at the United States Golf Museum and Library and it was our honor to conserve it for future generations.
We want to thank Rosemary Maravetz, Curator of Collections, United States Golf Museum and Library for providing the images and arranging the use of the image of the painting. Nathan Myers, Historian, Augusta National Golf Club for sharing his knowledge of the details about the relationship between Bobby Jones and Eisenhower. It is this professional exchange motiveated by pure goodwill that enhances our understanding.
Learn more about the USGA Golf Museum and Library:
https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/usga-golf-museum.html
Learn more about Augusta National Golf Club:
Golf Journal, February 1953
Bobby Jones standing with his portrait
Photograph courtesy of the United States Golf Museum and Library
Dwight D. Eisenhower letter to Mr. Totton Pl Heffelfinger, President United States Golf Association
Read at the unveiling of the portrait to the United States Golf Museum
Photograph courtesy of the United States Golf Museum and Library