1926 The Open at Royal Lytham Ticket - Bobby Jones' First Open Win - Only One Known
It was the first time The Open would charge spectators for paper ticket for admittance, and Bobby Jones made sure the Half Crown 2/6 (£0.125) was well spent in attempt to 'control spectator numbers.' The lone known survivor #2615 from a single year short of a century ago from Bobby Jones' first Open Championship is showcased in this lot.
Yes a ticket from the 1926 Open does exist! This prodigious procurement fresh to the hobby in this offering was carefully removed from an album passed down through the family in St Andrews - just short of a 5 hour car ride from Royal Lytham & St Annes. Three out of four of Bobby Jones' Open Championships were captured at the latter - their first Open hosted after recently receiving the Royal status from George V.
No shortcuts at this time, Jones would have to qualify for the tournament at Sunningdale with scores of 66 on the Old Course there and 68 on the New. While players were used to practicing on the course for weeks sometimes, the R&A announced that 2 practice rounds prior to the tournament would be the maximum. It would be 1926 when Bobby Jones captured both the US Open title and was crowned 'Golfer of the Year' after defeating the field at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club. One of the greatest shots he had ever played, Jones hit the blind mashie-niblick 175 yard shot out of the bunker on the 17th green to seal his victory over Al Watrous by two stokes. Two 72's, a 73 and 74 totaling 291 strokes for the four rounds over three days.
The Atlanta, Georgia native's first Open Championship title came in just his second attempt, actually the first amateur to become Champion Golfer of the Year after 1897 (and since with additional wins defending his title in 1927 and 1930).
Strong print with its original string, stamped number and a clean backside is found on this thick paper June 24, 1926 heirloom. Endless storylines and anything but for ticket survivors once providing entrance into Bobby's first Open Championship - shaking things up and dropping jaws in the captivating category.
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