Award recognizes Jones’ dedicated service and contributions to the ASGCA Foundation
MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Rees Jones, American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Fellow and founder of Rees Jones, Inc., has been named the inaugural recipient of the ASGCA Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Rees Jones, Inc. is proud to announce this distinguished honor, which recognizes Jones’ exceptional long-term service and contributions to the Society and its Foundation, as well as his enduring commitment to advancing the profession of golf course architecture.
A past president of the ASGCA and one of the profession’s most respected architects, Jones has been an active and dedicated member of the society for decades. His contributions extend well beyond his accomplishments in golf course design, reflecting a longstanding commitment to his fellow architects, the organization, and the continued advancement of the profession.
Throughout his association with the ASGCA, Jones has served in leadership and advisory roles, contributing his experience and perspective to the Society’s initiatives. He has also played an important role in recognizing the accomplishments of others in the golf industry through his longtime involvement with the ASGCA Donald Ross Award Committee.
“On behalf of the ASGCA Foundation, it is my honor to present the inaugural ASGCA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award to Rees Jones, ASGCA,” said Jeff Blume, President of the ASGCA Foundation. “Rees’s career as a golf course architect has been among the most respected and recognized in the industry, but this award recognizes his accomplishments, dedication, commitment and service to the ASGCA and the ASGCA Foundation over the decades of his membership and participation. Rees served as the ASGCA’s youngest president, has organized access to the nation’s finest golf facilities for ASGCA members during our annual meetings, and has stepped up to support the ASGCA and the ASGCA Foundation with his influence and resources for many years. He is an Inner Circle member showing support not only with his time, but financially as well.
“Perhaps Rees’s greatest contribution to the ASGCA and the ASGCA Foundation is that he originated and has shepherded the Donald Ross Award for fifty years. The Ross Award, of which Rees is a recipient, is the ASGCA’s highest award and has been the greatest outreach for the Society since its inception. Association with recipients such as President George H.W. Bush, Jim Nantz, Jack Nicklaus and Dinah Shore has raised awareness of the ASGCA and benefitted its members for generations.
“The ASGCA Foundation looks forward to continuing this new tradition on an annual basis of recognizing those who have shown so much support of our organization and mission. 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.”
Since founding Rees Jones, Inc. in 1974, Jones has designed or renovated more than 300 golf courses throughout his career. Widely known as the “Open Doctor” for his work preparing courses for major championships, he has built a distinguished career defined by thoughtful design, strategic renovations, and a deep respect for the traditions of the game.
In 2013, Jones received the ASGCA’s Donald Ross Award, the Society’s highest honor recognizing significant contributions to golf and the profession of golf course architecture. His selection as the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award represents another meaningful distinction, recognizing not only his professional accomplishments but also his dedication and service to the Society and its Foundation.
“I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the ASGCA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Rees Jones, ASGCA. “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. Through the Society, members exchange knowledge and are bonded by a commitment to excellence in golf course architecture and a common passion for the game and our profession.
“The ASGCA Foundation plays a vital role in advancing public golf and supporting the education and development of future golf course architects. 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.”
As the first recipient of this award, Jones is honored for a lifetime of leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening the profession of golf course architecture. For Rees Jones, Inc., the recognition is a particularly meaningful tribute to the values that have guided Jones throughout his career and continue to shape the firm’s approach to golf course design.
About Rees Jones, Inc.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Montclair, New Jersey, Rees Jones, Inc. is an internationally recognized golf course architecture firm specializing in the design, renovation and restoration of golf courses. The firm’s work reflects a commitment to strategic design, environmental stewardship and creating exceptional golf experiences for players of all abilities. The firm’s four architects, Rees Jones, Greg Muirhead, Steve Weisser and Bryce Swanson, are all members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), underscoring the firm’s dedication to the highest standards of professional practice and service to the game of golf.
