Sculptor David Jones was commissioned to produce a bust of the aging Bobby Jones in 1967. He used the likeness of a young, fit Bobby Jones for his impressive work. The original plan was to produce 100 of these large life-size bronzes; but all didn't go as planned, and only 10 or 11 of the Bobby Jones busts were produced (this is the E/P or Exhibition Proof). One of these bronzes was presented to Bobby Jones, who would die only 4 years later in 1971. That bust given to Bobby Jones currently resides in the famed Trophy Room at Augusta National Golf Club. To demonstrate how Augusta National itself values this bronze Bobby Jones bust, it is featured in the Trophy Room alongside some of the most significant golf relics in history - Bobby Jones' golf clubs used to win the Grand Slam, Bobby Jones' Calamity Jane putter, and Gene Sarazen's 4-wood and ball used to make his famous Double Eagle in 1935. The rarity of these bronzes is magnified by the fact that of the 10 or 11 known copies, most are owned by individuals or institutions that are unlikely to ever sell. In addition to Augusta National, the other examples are owned by the USGA Museum in Far Hills, NJ, Carl Saunders, the ex-Governor of Georgia, The Bobby Jones clothing company, Tushima in Japan, the Atlanta Athletic Club, and University of Texas Museum. That leaves a scant few that could ever have a chance of being sold in the collector market. 

The quality of this Bobby Jones bronze bust cannot be overstated. It measures over 18.5" tall (15.5" of which is the bust itself), the base is 3" x 8" x 8", and it weighs an incredible 40 (!) pounds. "Signed" on the back by the sculptor, the edition (E/P), and the date (1967).   

This is certainly one of the finest pieces of golf "artwork" ever offered.

We were fortunate to locate this elusive Bobby Jones bronze bust because of our recent sale of another example for about $40,000 in our 2024 Premier Auction. It has never been publicly sold before.