Jesse William Sweetser (April 18, 1902 – May 27, 1989) was an amateur golfer, best known as the first American-born player to win the British Amateur. Early life Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Sweetser later attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Yale University. In 1920, Sweetser won the individual title at the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships. He received golf lessons from noted Siwanoy Country Club professional Tom Kerrigan. Golf career Sweetser won the 1922 U.S. Amateur at the age of 20, defeating Bobby Jones, 8 and 7, in the semi-final and then Chick Evans, 3 and 2, in the final match. The following year, he again made the finals but lost on the second playoff hole to Max Marston. In 1926, Sweetser won the British Amateur at Muirfield, defeating Fred Simpson, 6 and 5, in the final match. The 1904 winner, Walter Travis, was a naturalized American citizen born in Australia, but Sweetser's victory was the first time an American-born golfer had won the tournament. Sweetster won the Metropolitan Amateur in 1922 and 1925. Walker Cup Sweetser was a member of the original Walker Cup team in 1922, and also played in 1923, 1924, 1926, 1928, and 1932. He was also selected for the 1930 team but withdrew for business reasons. Later, he was non-playing captain for the 1967 and 1973 teams. He was also captain for the 1966 U.S. Eisenhower Trophy team. Professional life In his professional life, Sweetser started as a stockbroker in the 1920s, and later went to work for Curtiss-Wright. He retired in 1967 as a vice-president with Martin Marietta. Sweetser also served as treasurer and on the executive committee of the United States Golf Association. In 1986, he was named the Bob Jones Award winner, given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. Death and legacy Sweetser died on May 27, 1989 in Bethesda, Maryland. Sweetser served as treasurer and on the executive committee of the United States Golf Association. In 1986, he was named the Bob Jones Award winner, given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. Tournament wins this list may be incomplete 1920 NCAA Championship 1922 U.S. Amateur, Metropolitan Amateur 1923 Gold Mashie Tournament 1925 Metropolitan Amateur, Gold Golf Ball Tourney (with Glenna Collett), Gibson Island C.C. Invitational 1926 British Amateur 1927 Gold Mashie Tournament 1931 Cape Cod Open Amateur major championships Wins (2) Results timeline Sweeter played in the Masters