Bobby Jones and Syringomyelia

Being an intensely private man, no one would have ever known that he was battling a disease slowly robbing him of the athletic powers that made him one of the greatest athletes of his generation. Yet, this private man was forced by his celebrity to live in the limelight. In the latter half of his life, he was diagnosed with syringomyelia, a devastating nervous system disease. He was a man who neither wanted sympathy nor patronization. He wanted a semblance of normalcy - an everyday life that his abilities as a famous golfer denied him.

He acquired syringomyelia in a freak accident during a thunderstorm in 1929 when bricks from the East Lake Golf Club fells on his neck. His symptoms became noticeable in 1948, and he was finally diagnosed in 1950.

Over the years, he would progress from leg braces to a cane, a walker, a wheelchair, and, finally, to a bed. As his condition deteriorated, his physical symptoms became too much to hide. Yet, even in the face of increasing disability, he continued to carry on as much as possible with the normal activities of life. After all, as he would often say, “In life, as in golf, you play the ball where you find it.” This attitude and spirit of sportsmanship endeared him to golf and sports fans worldwide. His courage, good humor, and grace did not go unnoticed.

Bobby would die from his disease twenty-one years later, in December 1971, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, honor, and integrity.

Given his impressive status as founder of the Master's Tournament and founder of Augusta National, Jones would be very proud of our ongoing partnerships with the National Institutes of Health and medical centers around the world, as well as our invaluable work providing information to patients and family members; the Bobby Jones CSF offers hope and understanding.

With the same focus, determination, and integrity as the great Bobby Jones, Bobby Jones CSF is on a mission to, once again, win the “Grand Slam!” We will rise to the challenge to conquer Chiari, syringomyelia, and related disorders. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Grand Slam in 2030, we will work hard to bring the values of the greatest athlete of his day to the modern world - because hope never goes out of style.

You can learn more about the Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation by visiting our website. You can also learn more about our annual golf tournaments held in honor of Bobby Jones at www.bobbyjonesclassic.com.