Experiencies

1960 Amateur World Championship at Merion GC, an unforgettable experience

Roberto Benito 03 Jun 2020

Roberto Benito, who represented Argentina in the tournament, shares his memories of that unforgettable week, including his encounters with Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones.

In 1960, the World Amateur Team Championship held its second edition at the East Course of Merion Golf Club...

Our good friend Roberto Patricio “Cope” Benito...

Sixty years have passed; it is a long time and many experiences become blurred with time...

1) The first World Amateur Team Championship had been played at St Andrews’ Old Course in 1958...

2) The second championship was played at Merion Golf Club...

3) The field was very strong...

4) The Argentine team was made up of Jorge Ledesma, Ángel Monguzzi, Guillermo Carman, and Roberto Benito...

5) The 126 players were hosted in members’ homes...

6) We had the honor of meeting Bobby Jones...

7) Jack Nicklaus invited Georgie Ledesma to a practice round...

8) The youngest player was 16...

9) USA won the championship...

10) Merion GC required precision rather than distance...

11) One teammate overslept...

This experience remains unforgettable and meeting Bobby Jones was a defining moment in my golfing life.

The main achievements in the career of Roberto “Cope” Benito.

Roberto De Vicenzo: The Master

The stories behind golf

Dr. Alister Mackenzie: His 13 Principles in Golf Course Architecture

Comments

Omar Evequoz

03/08/2025 20:48

El hermano de Candelaria tiene razón. El mejor amateur argentino fue Jorge Ledesma . COPE fue un crack y tuvo ese lamentable incidente del pasado en el ojo en la colimba.

Omar Evequoz

04/04/2025 18:34

Cope un crack. Una persona excelente. Y creo que fue el scratch más joven del mundo.

Pato avellaneda

04/06/2020 17:38

Creo que mi cuñado Georgie fue el mejor aficionado nuestro junto a Jurado. Le ganó a De Vicenzo en su mejor época la copa República. Creo que fue socio de Saint Antews dónde práctico 18 hoyos y de mando un 68. Otros días de personas únicas aficionadas al gof. Personas que despreciaban la trampa.