History of Mrs. Jean Jones / Bun Wyatt Memorial

 

Who was Mrs. Jean Jones?

 

Her given name ws Mary Coalter Koiner from Augusta County, VA.  Her father was a distinquished member of the Virginia State House of delegate and became commissioner of agriculture for 50 years.  She and her family resided in Richmond during that period at 1204 Floyd avenue very near the present day VCU campus.  Mrs. Jean Jones was educated at the Women’s College, which later became Westhampton College, University of Richmond.  She married Jean S. Jones on Jun 5, 1907, at her family home.

 

Mrs. Jean Jones became one of Richmond's most prominent women golfers.  She was a member of the Country Club of Virginia (CCV) and won 8 championship titles.  The first handicap tournament for women was held at The Country Club of Virginia (CCV) on June 12, 1925.   She broke the course record for women with a remarkable 94!  A score that many men had failed to break.  in 1930, whe sought her 9th consecutive title at CCV and qualifed with an 89 which would have been good enough to make the grade in the men's championship.

 

She won the State Amateur Championship in 1926 & 1929 and was the City Amateur Champion in 1936. She was an active member of the Richmond Women’s movement to establish the Richmond Women’s Golf Association in 1933.  She died May 11, 1939 at the age of 42 years, 5 months and 18 days and is buried in Richmond's Hollywood Cemetary next to her parents.

 

In 1940 after her death the Richmond Women’s Golf Association held the 1st Jean Jones Memorial Tournament to honor her memory. The tournament was held at The Country Club of Virginia, the winner decided in low net format. The winner of the 1st Tournament was Mrs. Clara Priddy.

 

In 1951 Mrs. R.C. Welton won the event using a putter given to her by the late Mrs. Jean Jones “It was Mrs. Jones who taught Mrs. Welton the game of golf and became her close friend, so yesterday’s victory over the large field was more than just a triumph. It’s one of the happiest days of my life” Mrs. Welton said yesterday after she had won the Mrs. Jean Jones Memorial Tournament at the Country Club of Virginia. “I guess I wanted to win this tourney about as much as I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. That’s why I am so grateful for winning” Mrs. Welton said “I felt yesterday that Mary (Mrs. Jones), if she could have seen me, would have been very happy.”

 

 

Bernice (Bun) Wyatt

 

Miss Bernice Beulah Wyatt was born on January 13, 1932, in Danville, Virginia to State Senator and Mrs. Landon Russell Wyatt Sr.   She married Jack Hoover Wyatt on Sep 27, 1959, in Danville, VA. 

 

She was a graduate of Converse College and worked as an elementary school teacher and librarian in Danville and Henrico County. 

 

Despite her many accomplishments within the community, the RWGA will always remember her for her love of the game of golf.

 

In the words of some members of the Country Club of Virginia and longtime friends of Bun Wyatt:

 

"Bun was such a fun and encouraging mentor to many of us - the "younger crowd."  She had a love for golf that, in my opinion, was and still is unsurpassed.  She would go out and hit balls in the 100 degree heat and set the bar high for love of the game and work ethic.  She was a blast to play golf with - super competitive and always wanting to win - but always made us laugh, win or lose.  A few of us organized some golf trips (mainly for Bun's benefit) and she travelled with us even the year before she passed - feeling crappy and very sick - she just had to go!  One of those final trips, she had a hole in one in Pinehurst - it was quite an event to celebrate.  I will always consider Bun as the "one" that showed me and others how to play and enjoy the game in the "right way".  RIP always Bun Wyatt!!!!"   By Boodie McGurn

 

 

"Bun was the unofficial coach and cheerleader for many state teams from CCV. She never met a stranger and was always welcoming to anyone new to golf.  She was also active in the community by giving her time to volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Classic, a tournament organized for many years to raise money for breast cancer research. Some of us were lucky enough to have witnessed her then dressed in a pink tutu, tights, and with wand in hand granting wishes for holes in one, birdies, or just a golf swing that works. We thank her for bringing such joy to the game. "  By Martha Davidson

 

On October 1, 2008 Bernice (Bun) Wyatt, a long-time Richmond Women’s Golf Association member and Country Club of Virginia member, passed away.

 

In 2009, Bun Wyatt was added to the Mrs. Jean Jones Memorial tournament to honor her memory.