Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Golf Course Architect

Biography

Robert Trent Jones Sr. is often credited as the architect who defined modern golf course design in the mid-20th century. Over a career spanning six decades, he designed or renovated over 500 courses in 42 countries. His courses are known for their strategic challenge, extensive water features, and beautifully shaped bunkers. He pioneered the concept of preparing courses for professional tournaments and influenced generations of architects including his sons, Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Design Philosophy

Jones believed in creating courses with "hard par, easy bogey" — layouts that challenge the best players while remaining enjoyable for average golfers. His designs feature strategic bunkering, heroic water carries, and large, well-defended greens.

Courses by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in Our Directory (16)

Dunes Golf & Beach Club

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · private · Est. 1948

4.6

Members Only

Palmetto Dunes - Robert Trent Jones Course

Hilton Head, South Carolina · resort · Est. 1969

4.4

$80–$170

Hazeltine National Golf Club

Chaska, Minnesota · private · Est. 1962

4.9

Members Only

Robert Trent Jones Golf Club

Gainesville, Virginia · private · Est. 1991

4.6

Members Only

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Kohala Coast, Hawaii · resort · Est. 1964

4.7

$175–$325

Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Pebble Beach, California · resort · Est. 1966

4.7

$395–$425

Lely Resort - Flamingo Island

Naples, Florida · resort · Est. 1990

4.3

$75–$175

Bellerive Country Club

Town and Country, Missouri · private · Est. 1960

4.8

Members Only

Old Warson Country Club

Ladue, Missouri · private · Est. 1954

4.6

Members Only

Bogey Hills Country Club

St. Charles, Missouri · private · Est. 1964

4.2

Members Only

Incline Village Championship Course

Incline Village, Nevada · public · Est. 1964

4.4

$80–$160

Oxmoor Valley - Ridge Course

Birmingham, Alabama · public · Est. 1992

4.2

$40–$70

Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Hoover, Alabama · resort · Est. 2005

4.3

$60–$120

Highlands Course at RTJ Capitol Hill

Prattville, Alabama · public · Est. 1999

4.3

$45–$80

Kananaskis Country Golf Course - Mount Lorette

Kananaskis, Alberta · public · Est. 1983

4.6

$90–$140

Kananaskis Country Golf Course - Mount Kidd

Kananaskis, Alberta · public · Est. 1983

4.5

$90–$140

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses did Robert Trent Jones Sr. design?

Jones designed or renovated over 500 courses across 42 countries in a career spanning six decades, making him one of the most influential architects in golf history.

Explore More Golf Course Architects

Tom Fazio Pete Dye Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw Donald Ross A.W. Tillinghast Tom Weiskopf Rees Jones Tiger Woods (TGR Design)

Stay in the Loop

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