July 14, 2024 | Maili Bartz & Alexis Deese
Louisiana native Paul Jones has accomplished what only 55 people in the world have done: playing the top 100 golf courses in the world. He also played top 100 golf courses in US. His journey, spanning more than two decades and 20 countries, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and love for golf—an accomplishment that would leave almost any golfer green with envy.
Jones’s journey began in 2001, shortly after getting married. His first adventure was at the iconic Pebble Beach, a course many golfers can only dream of playing. “It all started with a trip to Pebble Beach with my Uncle Teddy Sliman and his son Theodore,” Jones reminisced. “Uncle Teddy got us on Cypress Point, The Olympic Club, San Francisco, Diablo CC and Monterey Peninsula. From there, it opened my eyes on what great architect and courses are out there. I traveled quite a bit for work, so I would always try to try find best courses to play when I was on the road, it gave me something to look forward to during work trips.”
Paul grew up on the 9th hole of Iberia Golf & Country Club and spent his high school playing and working at Squirrel Run, now called Cane Row. Jones used the top 100 lists from Golf Magazine to guide his golf adventures. In 2003, his journey gained momentum when he became a panelist for Golfweek Magazine, which allowed him to gain access to numerous exclusive courses. “Being a panelist opened so many doors,” Jones said. There was also a sense of community that Jones was introduced to. While Jones’s journey began with help from his Uncle Teddy, “Many people were eager to help, knowing there were only a handful of courses left for me to complete”, Jones explained.
One of the pinnacle moments of his journey came in 2016 when Jones completed the US top 100 by finally playing at Augusta National, a course known for its exclusivity, by volunteering at the Masters Tournament. “Augusta was the greatest experience for any golf lover,” Jones shared. “Walking those historic fairways was surreal.”
By 2020, for his 20th wedding anniversary, Jones and his wife traveled to Casa de Campo, bringing him closer to completing his global quest. Over the next two years, he played 15 different courses across 10 countries, surrounded by a series of unforgettable experiences. “Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand was the most memorable as it was my last, but Cypress Point, my first, remains my favorite,” he noted.
Jones’s dedication to his quest has made him the 55th person to complete the top 100 courses in the world. “It’s an incredible honor,” he said with a smile. “How many achievements in the world have only 55 people completed?”
His travels took him to remote locations such as Nine Bridges on Jeju Island, South Korea to the Durban Country Club in South Africa and to challenging courses like Oakmont in Pennsylvania. Despite the difficulties, Jones found immense joy and fulfillment in each game. “Shinnecock Hills was the best tournament course, and I hope to live near St. Andrew’s one day.”
Jones’s feat earned him a place in the Global Golf Centurions Club (G2C2). An elite group that stands as a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional skill in completing this challenge. Yet, his story goes beyond the greens, rather of cherished moments and lasting connections formed along his remarkable journey.
Paul Jones is a passionate golfer from Louisiana and a proud member of Oakbourne Country Club. Jones is a husband, father, and his remarkable journey has and continues to inspire many. Playing over 650 different courses in 20 countries, including 90 outside the U.S., his love for golf has taken him around the world, creating a lifetime of memories and achievements. “None of this would have been possible if not for marrying Dawn, the greatest and most understanding wife ever ☺”
While Jones has achieved remarkable milestones from his bucket list, there are still experiences awaiting him. Paul Jones has golfed in 49 states, with Alaska being last on his list for the last 5 years. Despite the challenges posed by its extreme weather and short golfing season, Jones plans to complete this milestone next year.
About the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
For Media Inquiries:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications
maili@lgagolf.org