Robert Tent Jones (1981)

For more than half a century Robert Trent Jones had affixed his signature to some 400 golf courses around the world. The doyen of American golf course architects, Jones built or remodeled courses in 43 states and 32 foreign countries. He was the founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and was the initial recipient of the Association’s Donald Ross Award.

“A championship Robert Trent Jones golf course” is a phrase often heard and Jone’s designs established such a standard of excellence that no less than 15 of those which he designed, or remodeled, have been the sites for more than 23 US Open and PGA Championships. Golf Magazine once referred to Jones as “the dean of his profession,” and 19 of his courses have ranked in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest.

Jones, who lived and worked out of Montclair, N.J., left his mark in the Met Area. Hominy Hill, Panther Valley, and Upper Montclair in N.J.; the beautiful Tuxedo Club in Orange County N.Y.; Eisenhower Park, Montauk Downs and North Hills on Long Island; and Patterson and Rockrimmon in C.T. are all Robert Trent Jones courses. In addition, Jones and his family were involved in many local golf activities. In 1979, the Jones clan was honored by the Metropolitan Golf Writers as the “Golf Family of the Year.”

Robert Trent Jones, through years of dedication to his profession and the game of golf, provided recreation and enjoyment for countless millions of golfers.