Down the Fairway: The Golf Life and Play of Robert T. Jones, Jr.

Signed limited edition, preceding the first trade edition of what many consider the greatest golf book of the 20th century. Octavo, original half vellum over green boards, gilt titles to the spine, top edge gilt, tissue-guarded frontispiece, illustrated. One of 300 numbered copies signed by both Robert T. Jones and O.B. Keeler on the limitation page and again by Jones beneath his frontispiece, this is number 65. Additionally signed by Gary Player on the limitation page. Gary Player occupies a central place in the history of golf and stands among the sport’s most accomplished and influential champions. Known as part of golf’s legendary “Big Three” alongside Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, Player distinguished himself through exceptional longevity, relentless physical discipline, and remarkable international success. Over the course of his career, the South African golfer captured nine major championships and more than 150 professional victories worldwide, becoming one of the few players to achieve the career Grand Slam. In this respect, Player may be seen as carrying forward the standard of excellence established by Bobby Jones, whose brilliance and sportsmanship defined the game’s golden age. Jones’s extraordinary achievements, including his historic Grand Slam of 1930, helped establish the ideals and traditions that shaped the sport in the twentieth century. Decades later, Player emerged as one of golf’s great international ambassadors, combining extraordinary skill with a deep respect for the game’s traditions while capturing nine major championships and achieving the career Grand Slam. Together, Jones and Player represent two generations of greatness whose careers helped define and expand the legacy of modern golf. In very good condition. From the library of distinguished American industrialist, philanthropist, and collector B. Brannan Reath (1873–1943) with his bookplate to the pastedown.  Housed in the rare original publisher's slipcase. A completely unique example uniting two of golf’s most legendary champions, whose achievements helped shape and elevate the enduring legacy of the modern game.