The Robert T Jones Scholarship Programme

• About Robert T Jones

  Born in 1902, Robert T Jones was an American amateur golfer who was one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport; he was also a lawyer by profession. Jones founded and helped design the Augusta National Golf Club, and co-founded the Masters Tournament. The innovations that he introduced at the Masters have been copied by virtually every professional golf tournament in the world.

  In 1930, at the age of 28, Bobby completed the (pre-Masters) Grand Slam by winning all four major golfing championships in the same calendar year which included the British Open at St Andrews. He is the only player ever to do so.

  He had a strong relationship with St Andrews, being named Freeman of the City in 1958 and famously requesting the Open Championship Trophy remained with his friends at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, rather than taking it with him on his return to Atlanta.

  Bobby died in 1971 at the age of sixty-nine. He continues to be remembered as a man who accepted life with humility, integrity, and wisdom, and who rendered it a triumph through the strength and grace of his character.

  The Robert T Jones Scholarship exists in his honour, encouraging students of both the University of St Andrews and Emory to expand their horizons with travel, education and experiences.

• Eligibility

  Nationality

  All nationalities, except US citizens.

  Level of study

  Open to final year undergraduate students.

  Course criteria

  The Scholarship is intended for students to study a variety of classes at Emory through a non-degree route.

  Subjects

  All - except Medicine.

  Schools

  All - except Medicine.

  Additional criteria 

  Selection is with regard to character, academic record and proposed course of studies.

• What does it cover?

  Duration of award

  One year.

  Value of award

  The Scholarships are sufficient to cover all basic costs for the year at Emory including:

  • tuition fees
  • room and board in a university residence
  • return airfares from the UK to Atlanta and all visa costs
  • health and dental insurance
  • personal stipend to cover basic expenditure
  • travel stipend to assist and encourage travel around the US
  • shared use of a car.

  The precise breakdown of stipend and travel allowance will be provided to the successful candidates. 

  Tuition and maintenance award? 

  Both.

  Number of awards available

  4.

• The selection process

  The selection process comprises of an application form which must be submitted by the advertised deadline with accompanying references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview early in Semester 2. Depending on applicant numbers, a second interview may be held.

  During the selection process you will be assessed using the following criteria:

  • academic record
  • verbal and written skills
  • record of leadership in the life of the St Andrews community and the broader community
  • ability to be an ambassador for the Robert T Jones Scholarship and the University of St Andrews
  • interpersonal and presentational skills
  • course of study and scholarly interests that can be pursued at Emory.

  Bobby Jones was an all-rounder and the selectors will be keen to know how else you have spent your time whilst at the University of St Andrews. Golfing ability is not a necessary criterion though an active interest in the game is a consideration, for instance, because the Scholars have previously had the privilege of attending the Masters Tournament at Augusta. On such occasions, the Scholars have an ambassadorial role, for which reasonable experience of public speaking is also advantageous.

• Course selection

  Scholars can choose a non degree seeking route or a small number of one year masters programmes.

  Non degree seeking

  You will be required to maintain full-time academic status, which requires a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester which is generally 4-5 courses (modules). Your J-1 visa status will be jeopardized if you fall below this threshold. You are free to select any courses for which they are qualified. Eligibility and availability are matters for Emory University to decide.

  Applicants are encouraged to look at the Emory Prospectus to familiarise yourself with the programmes and courses available. Be sure to filter for the correct semester and the Atlanta Campus. Do not select subjects with "Oxford" since that is a different Emory campus location.

  Masters programmes

  From 2025-26 scholars are able to apply for a small number of one year Masters programmes as an alternative to the current non-degree seeking route. The following programmes are available to applicants with the appropriate undergraduate qualifications:

  • Masters in Arts in Bioethics – Emory Laney Graduate School
  • Masters in Management – Emory Goizueta Business School
  • Masters in Religion and Public Life – Emory Candler School of Theology

  Applicants are encouraged to look at the Emory Prospectus to familiarise yourself with the programmes.

• Current Bobby Jones Scholars

  There are four Scholars in St Andrews from Emory. If you need to contact them, with any questions relating to Emory, please contact roberttjones@st-andrews.ac.uk.

• Reporting requirements

  As a beneficiary of financial support, you will be required to submit a report of your year which will be shared with the Robert T Jones Trust and other donors to the Scholarship programme.

  Whilst at Emory you will be expected to attend events with members of the Bobby Jones alumni community and Emory senior leadership. During these events, you will be required to speak publicly about your experiences on the programme.