Video: Bobby Jones, St. Andrews & The Freedom Of The City

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Shifting back to the days of black and white images and people who could deliver the killer of all killer lines, let's move past the Bobby Jones wins at St. Andrews. Let's even zoom by his surprise return in 1936 (Shop signs: Closed because "our Bobby is back").

Because the 1958 World Amateur brought a physically deteriorating Jones and his brilliant mind back for one final visit. By day he was captaining his team, but by night he was at Younger Graduation Hall becoming the second American to receive the Freedom of the City.

Sid Matthew takes it from there in this 2008 Golf Digest story.

Little did Jones know that the only other American to be conferred such an honor was Benjamin Franklin.

As 1,700 people filled the hall, Jones feared he might get up before the throng and draw a blank. Provost Leonard spoke of the town's desire to welcome an "old and dearly beloved friend... not only as a distinguished golfer but as a man of outstanding character, courage and accomplishment well worthy to adorn the roll of our Honorary Burgesses." The provost explained that an Honorary Burgess had the rights "to catch rabbits, to take divots, and to dry one's washing upon the first and last fairways of the Old Course."

It was now Jones' turn to speak. He had previously been lifted to the stage with his heavy metal leg braces rattling like swords in a loose saber. It would not have been impolite for him to speak sitting down. But Jones did the unexpected. He grabbed the table in front of him with gnarled hands and literally pulled his body up until he stood stooped over the table. There were gasps from the spectators. Jones' son, Bob III, was sitting just behind his father. The son coiled in readiness should he need to catch his frail father.

Not only is the speech golf's most cinematic moment, but and the impromptu "Will ye no' come back again?" sung outside the hall ensured there'd be no dry eyes in the house. 

I wish we could watch the entire speech online, but this snippet will have to do. Get your Kleenex on stand by. Here is an ESPN featurette with the best line ever delivered to appease a home crowd, while genuinely meaning what this magical place meant to his rich, full life: