The Inside Swing

Rees Jones

Golf Course Architect

Biography

Rees Jones earned the nickname "The Open Doctor" for his prolific work preparing courses to host major championships, including Bethpage Black, Torrey Pines, and Congressional. The son of legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and brother of Robert Trent Jones Jr., Rees carved his own identity through meticulous championship preparation and original designs that test the world's best players.

Design Philosophy

Jones focuses on fairness at every skill level while ensuring championship-caliber challenge. His renovations typically strengthen strategic options, improve green surrounds, and add strategic bunkering without fundamentally altering a course's character.

Courses by Rees Jones in Our Directory (18)

Houston Oaks Golf Course

Houston, Texas · private · Est. 2005

4.7

Members Only

Golf Club of Houston

Houston, Texas · public · Est. 2003

4.3

$60–$120

Quintero Golf Club

Phoenix, Arizona · public · Est. 2000

4.7

$80–$200

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

Orlando, Florida · resort · Est. 2009

4.4

$100–$200

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

Orlando, Florida · resort · Est. 2009

4.2

$175–$299

Echelon Golf Club

Atlanta, Georgia · private · Est. 2005

4.6

Members Only

The Peninsula Club

Charlotte, North Carolina · private · Est. 2000

4.5

Members Only

Ballantyne Golf Club

Charlotte, North Carolina · resort · Est. 1998

4.1

$80–$140

Haig Point Club

Hilton Head, South Carolina · private · Est. 1986

4.6

Members Only

Cascata

Las Vegas, Nevada · resort · Est. 2000

4.7

$250–$400

Rio Secco Golf Club

Las Vegas, Nevada · public · Est. 1997

4.3

$100–$200

Pinehills Golf Club - Jones Course

Plymouth, Massachusetts · public · Est. 2001

4.4

$65–$130

Windsong Farm Golf Club

Independence, Minnesota · semi-private · Est. 2005

4.3

$75–$135

Windsong Farm Golf Club

Independence, Minnesota · private · Est. 2004

4.5

Members Only

Broad Run Golfer's Club

West Chester, Pennsylvania · semi-private · Est. 2001

4.1

$40–$75

Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek

Charleston, South Carolina · private · Est. 2000

4.5

Members Only

Chariot Run Golf Club

Laconia, Indiana · public · Est. 1997

4.3

$45–$80

Bayou Oaks at City Park - Championship

New Orleans, Louisiana · public · Est. 2017

4.1

$35–$65

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Rees Jones called "The Open Doctor"?
Jones earned this nickname for his extensive work preparing courses to host U.S. Opens and other major championships, including renovations of Bethpage Black, Torrey Pines, Congressional, and East Lake.

Stay in the Loop

Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.