Offered here is the only-known original program from Bobby Jones’ first Major Championship appearance as a 14 year old at the 1916 U.S. Amateur. The 1916 U.S. Amateur was held at Merion Golf Club – Jones’ first look at the course where he would eventually complete the Grand Slam in 1930. 

The 1916 U.S. Amateur is seen by many as Bobby Jones’ first taste of the big time. He was only 14 years old. His father initially did not want him competing in any national tournaments for 2 more years, but was successfully convinced to allow young Bobby to attend the Amateur by the father of his friend Perry Adair, who also qualified for the tournament. Adair’s wealthy father also volunteered to pay for Bobby’s trip. Not only was this trip Bobby Jones’ first Major Championship appearance, it was also young Bobby’s first stay in a big hotel, his first time in a taxi cab, and his first meeting with famed sportswriter Grantland Rice, who would play an instrumental role in Jones' career and eventual celebrity.

As previously stated, this is the only known original program from the 1916 U.S. Amateur. The best resource for early golf programs is the 2004 Gilchirst’s Guide to Golf Collectibles, which lists this program as “None Known”. The USGA Museum's collection's earliest U.S. Amateur program is from 4 years later in 1920. 

Well, we now know that this program does exist. This full week program from the 1916 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club is in very good condition. Quite impressively, a previous owner had a custom clamshell case produced for this program, which is included in this auction.

This exact program was on display at the World Golf Hall of Fame during its 2005 Exhibit Bobby Jones: A Salute to the Grand Slam.

Only known example. Custom clamshell case measures 7 3/4" x 5". 14 pages (double pages) including great diagrams and information about Merion's golf course.