Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Making of Modern Golf

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Robert Trent Jones Sr., known affectionately as "RTJ Sr.", was an American golf course architect widely regarded as the father of modern golf. His revolutionary designs and innovative techniques transformed the game, creating some of the most iconic and challenging courses around the world.

A Difficult Par: Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Making of Modern Golf

by James R. Hansen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	517 pages

FREE

Born in 1906, RTJ Sr. developed a passion for golf at a young age. He studied landscape architecture and worked as a golf course superintendent before venturing into design. His first major project, in 1927 at the age of 21, was the Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Throughout his career, RTJ Sr. designed over 500 golf courses in 45 countries. His designs were characterized by their strategic layout, demanding hazards, and picturesque settings. He believed that golf should be a test of both skill and strategy, and his courses were known for requiring careful shot-making and thoughtful course management.

Groundbreaking Techniques and Signature Features

RTJ Sr. pioneered several innovative techniques in golf course architecture, including:

• Contouring: He used natural contours to shape his fairways and greens, creating a more dynamic and challenging playing experience.
• Bunkering: His bunkers were strategically placed to penalize errant shots and protect greens, but also to add visual interest and challenge.
• Water Hazards: RTJ Sr. effectively incorporated water hazards into his designs, adding an element of risk and reward to the game.
• Wide Fairways and Narrow Greens: He favored wide fairways to allow for bold drives, but made greens narrow and undulating to test players' accuracy.

Some of RTJ Sr.'s signature features, found in many of his courses, include:

• Island Greens: Isolated greens surrounded by water hazards, requiring precise approach shots.
• Peninsula Greens: Greens jutting out into a body of water, accessible only by narrow fairways.
• Elevated Tees: Tees located high above the fairway, providing panoramic views and strategic advantage.
• Double Greens: Two greens adjacent to each other, often with different hole locations, adding an element of variety.

Masterpieces of Golf Design

Among RTJ Sr.'s many acclaimed courses are:

• Bethpage Black, New York: Host of the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, renowned for its brutal length and demanding layout.
• Royal Birkdale, England: A classic links course on the Lancashire coast, hosting the Open Championship on several occasions.
• Pebble Beach Golf Links, California: One of the most picturesque courses in the world, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
• St. Andrews Old Course, Scotland: The "Home of Golf," a legendary links course with centuries of history and tradition.

A Lasting Legacy

RTJ Sr. passed away in 2000, but his legacy continues to shape the game of golf. His innovative designs and groundbreaking techniques have influenced generations of golf course architects and inspired countless golfers.

Today, his courses continue to host major championships and provide thrilling challenges for golfers of all levels. Robert Trent Jones Sr. will forever be remembered as the father of modern golf, a visionary who revolutionized the game and left an enduring mark on its history.

A Difficult Par: Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Making of Modern Golf

by James R. Hansen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	517 pages

FREE