For the second time in the history of the RTJ Society we held our annual meeting at Old Warson CC, in St. Louis, MO. This year’s meeting was unique in that the Directors of our individual member courses were treated to a round of golf at neighboring Bellerive CC, host of the 2018 PGA Championship. If you saw the course on television during the tournament, those who played it can all attest to its championship heritage.
Not to be outdone, Old Warson showed its finest qualities. Old Warson has hosted the 1971 Ryder Cup, and the USGA 1999 Mid-Amateur, 2009 Women’s Amateur, and 2016 Senior Amateur. Although different in character, Old Warson held its own and was enjoyed by all. Every year the different member courses attending the meeting field a competing team for the Robert Trent Jones Cup. This year the Spyglass Hill team of Kent Daft, Randy Graham, Kerry Gorden, and Jim Coyle, took home the honors with a best ball of well under par.
We were honored this year with the attendance of Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Trent Jones III, and Roger Rulewich, long time Senior Design Associate for Mr. Jones. Their presence lent a degree of authenticity to the meeting and was sincerely appreciated by those in attendance.
On Saturday morning our Historian Session was opened by Julia Gardner who is the Head of Research Services at Cornell University. Considering the fact that the Library’s collections include many major pieces, including the Gettysburg Address, James Joyce writings, and many other rare documents, the Jones collection is by far the most requested. It was noted by Ms. Gardner that all Jones courses have the right to retrieve copies of documents from this incredible collection.
Second on the agenda was Bruce Charlton, President of the RTJ2 design firm. Bruce was ably assisted by Tim Roethler, Old Warson’s Greens Superintendant. Old Warson is embarking on a program to restore the course to its original design in a three hole area that was changed during construction for city planning purposes.
After golf on Saturday afternoon all had a great dinner, followed by our guest speaker, Tom O’Toole, immediate past President of the USGA. Tom took us through his time at the USGA and many of the challenges he faced while there. He also spoke extensively about Mr. Jones having designed or renovated 21 of the courses that have held the US Open, a feat that will likely never be duplicated. And the fact that he is often referred to as the father of modern golf architecture. It was a great speech that was enjoyed by all.
Not to save the best to last but we have confirmed that on October 21st next year the Society will be travelling to Spain for our meeting at Valderrama and Sotogrande. Known as Real Club Valderrama and Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, these two courses are well known throughout the golf world. Valderrama of course, hosted what may be the most famous Ryder Cup of all time in 1997; when Seve Ballesteros was Captain of the European team. Not many real golfers can forget that one. Sotogrande is known for being the first European course that Mr. Jones designed and built. The meeting will be through 10/24 and include a tour of Seville, the most historically iconic city in Spain.
Bob Giere
President
Robert Trent Jones Society
