American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Past President Rees Jones received the first ASGCA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the honoree’s long-term impact to the ASGCA family through leadership, engagement, support and service.
“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the ASGCA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Jones. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from my peers, whose talent and contributions continue to shape the future of golf course architecture. My involvement with the ASGCA has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional career.”
Internationally recognized, Jones began his career working alongside his father, ASGCA Founding Member Robert Trent Jones Sr. The younger Jones has designed or renovated more than 300 golf courses, earning the title “The Open Doctor” for his renovation and restoration of some of the top courses in the world in advance of major championships.
The award recognizes Jones’ long-term accomplishments, dedication, commitment and service to the ASGCA and the ASGCA Foundation, including serving as the Awards Committee chair for 50 years and contributions to the planning of the Society’s Annual Meeting and other international architecture events.
“We are honored that Rees is our first recipient and hope that his example will inspire and influence those following him in the future to similar contributions, service and commitment,” said outgoing ASGCA Foundation President Jeff Blume. “Perhaps Rees’ greatest contribution is the Donald Ross Award, which he has shepherded for 50 years. Presented to honorees such as President George H.W. Bush, Jim Nantz, ASGCA Fellow Jack Nicklaus and Dinah Shore, the Ross Award has raised awareness of ASGCA and the profession for decades.”
While receiving the award during the 80th ASGCA Annual Meeting in Nashville, Jones expressed his admiration and support for fellow members.
“Everybody would like to be in our profession, but they don’t know how hard it is,” Jones said. “It sounds glamorous but it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s a tough, tough profession. Everyone who has earned a Tartan jacket [worn by ASGCA members] should be proud of what you give to the golfer of the future.”
Previously, ASGCA has recognized members making significant contributions with the ASGCA Distinguished Service Award, presented at the discretion of the ASGCA Board of Governors to a member who has contributed exceptional time and effort to benefit ASGCA members and the organization. Recipients include ASGCA Past Presidents Larry Packard and Jack Snyder (2005), Ed Seay (2006), Bill Amick (2011), and Don Knott and John LaFoy (2017).
The current incarnation of the lifetime achievement recognition is jointly administered by ASGCA and ASGCA Foundation, which provides support to improve access to the game and provide pathways to the golf architecture profession.
“The ASGCA Foundation plays a vital role in advancing public golf and supporting the education and development of future golf course architects,” said Jones. “By providing resources, programs and funding, the Foundation helps create opportunities that will introduce more people to the game and strengthen the future of golf for generations to come.”
ASGCA Foundation Background
Founded in 1973, the ASGCA Foundation improves the health of the game and the profession by supporting projects at courses that provide enjoyable golf experiences that are affordable and accessible, creating pathways for the next generation of golf course architects, and providing education and fostering that help advance the long-term sustainability of the game.
For more information about ASGCA Foundation, visit http://www.asgcafoundation.org or call (262) 786-5960.
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