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. 

FLORIDA: The Founders Club

Under the tutelage of his namesake father, Jones II learned how
to create first-rate golf even on cramped parcels. On a generous,
sweeping site like the one he received in these Florida woodlands,
the architect is free to indulge his painterly instincts while routing
a course that is loaded with hole variety.

This 7,094-yard, par-72 gem is lined and shaded by pines, palms
and old oak hammocks. To Jones’s great satisfaction, the golf
program at The Founders Club takes its cues from his classic
design by establishing an old-style caddie program and emphasizing
club-style competitions that represent golf in its purest form.
Click here for more information about The Founders Club!

FLORIDA: Miromar Lakes

Already home to a well-loved Arthur Hills layout, Miromar Lakes
has more golf up its sleeve in the form of a Robert Trent Jones II
layout that’s working its way off the drawing boards toward the
construction phase.

Miromar Lakes is proud to claim that this is the only “Signature”
course for RTJ II in the world. The community’s incredible
dedication to landscaping and conditioning is certain to
showcase the new Jones golf course in dramatic fashion.
Click here for more information about Miromar Lakes!

CALIFORNIA: Winchester Country Club

With the passing of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., in June of 2000, the
pioneer architect’s portfolio of work took on special meaning and
value. His few courses done in collaboration with his son forms a
vital part of that unique legacy, and Winchester C.C. is likely the
most beautiful example.

Ideally located in the scenic Sierra foothills—above the fog of the
Sacramento Valley and below the snow line of Lake Tahoe—this
course and the 1,100-acre community that surround it inspire
praise from first-time visitors and longtime residents alike.
Click here for more information about Winchester Country Club!

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! 

MEXICO: Estrella del Mar

Course-building in a tropical oceanfront setting provides its
own special challenges and joys, as RTJ II can well attest. The
decade-old, palm-studded layout he authored at Estrella del Mar
cavorts along 3.5 miles of dramatic white-sand beach, its playing
angles chosen with the ever-present trade winds in mind.

The Trent Jones brand name is firmly among the top five design firms
when it comes to enhancing golf course real estate (over $15 million in
residential land sold as of 2004). That factor takes on special importance
to home buyers looking at non-U.S. properties, such as this 816-acre
destination community in Mazatlan.
Click here for more information about Estrella del Mar!

To see a complete list of Robert Tent Jones II-designed courses
on GolfCourseHome.net, click here.

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)