Robert Trent Jones II: Continuing the Legacy

From the Philippines to Moscow to Mexico, the golf courses of
Robert Trent Jones II comprise a stunning portfolio of artistry and
strategic integrity. To developers of golf real estate, this famous
son of a famous course-designing father has been an important partner
in the community-building process.   

Taking off from Montclair, N.J., where the original R.T. Jones, Sr.
design firm was headquartered (and where Rees Jones, son of the
patriarch and brother of R.T. Jones II., is still based), RTJ II went
west and set up shop in Palo Alto, Calif. From this locale, he has
come to design some of the most dramatic and best-loved modern
courses west of the Rockies.

Courses by Robert Trent Jones II have proven themselves well as
competitive venues. In all, championships have been held on more
than 100 RTJ II courses around the world. In 2010, Celtic Manor's
Wentwood Hills course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, will
host the Ryder Cup as that marquee event makes its Welsh debut.
Meanwhile, new courses from the sketchbook of this renowned
architect continue to fill the landscape. 

NORTH CAROLINA: Rock Barn Golf & Spa

It is surprising to find that, in his long and prolific career, R.T.
Jones II has designed just one course in the Tar Heel State. But
what a golf course it is, winner of “Best New Course” honors
from North Carolina Magazine when it debuted in 2003 and
nationally ranked as the No. 4 "Best New Upscale Public Course"
by Golf Digest.

Jones’s own website contains very few photographs, but it
prominently displays the stunning par-3 third hole at Rock Barn,
which plays over a deep and picturesque creekbed to a wonderfully
bunkered and contoured green. When senior pros from the Champions
Tour convene at Rock Barn for the annual Greater Hickory Classic,
the iron shot at No. 3 is just one in a fascinating series of shotmaking
challenges they face.
Click here for more information about Rock Barn Golf & Spa! 

Other Articles in the Golf Architect Series

I. The No. 1 Real-Estate Enhancer: Jack Nicklaus - Find out why this golf
course architect adds the most value to the real estate surrounding the
golf courses he designs: Click here!

II. Tom Fazio: Elevating Course Design--and Home Values

III. Arnold Palmer: His Brilliant Second Career

IV. Arthur Hills: Value-Adding Visionary

VI. Bob Cupp & Tom Jackson: Veterans with Prime Portfolios

VII. Pete Dye: Lifelong Innovator (Part-Time Intimidator)

VIII. Greg Norman: Still a Champ and Competing, But on a Larger Golf Landscape

IX. Heroes of the Southeast: Byrd, Jackson, Johnston and Lee