The Blair Family

The Blair family graciously accepted the award for Jim Tom Blair III at MGA's annual Hall of Fame dinner. The night was a celebration of his accomplishments in his golf life. The following is the speach by Jack Garvin, friend, MGA Director and "MGA Historian" Jim Tom Blair III 1931-2010 wife:  Myrna, children:  Carolyn, Michael and Jim Tom IV I was 11 in 1955, the year I started to play golf I was always “Jackie” even last summer when we talked on the phone about induction To use a metephor for Jim Tom’s life:  a meteor, or larger than life, an oversized life His MGA history:  Two State Amateurs - ‘52 and ‘55. The first was won on his 21st birthday at Milburn The second he beat fellow Jeff City CC member Ed Loeffler at Indian Hills;  after surviving a playoff to make match play (like Justin Bargett in 2008, 53 years later.)   He had been serving in the U.S. Army for two years. He was medalist four times:  ‘51, ‘52, ‘57, ‘59 Even his losses in final matches had a flair to them: 1951 - lost to Walker Cupper Jim Jackson 9 & 8 1956 - lost to Bob Barton 6 & 5  1957 - lost to Bill Stewart 1 up in 39 holes, only after Stewart birdied 5 in a row 1959 - lost to Jim Jackson again,  6 & 5 He won the Phil Cotton 3 times in the 1960’s the St. Louis District 3 times NATIONAL 42/51 cuts in PGA events, runner-up in ‘51 Western Amateur U.S. Open six times U.S. Amateur 13 times Images from the 1950’s:   taking lessons from Dave Sutherland, Scottish pro at JCCC Opening his shag bag to reveal 100 brand new Titleists JCCC club championship finals and a gallery of 75 Two eyewitness incidents: they reveal his competitiveness: 1.  I saw him hit a low shot under the trees on the 9th at JCCC;  sleeves torn off 2.  Charley Digges in the 60’s at Columbia CC 8th hole - Jim Tom drove the green - on the 5th try.  "Tin Cup"!!! Click HERE to view MGA Hall of Fame Members