As a golf course architect and planner, Robert Trent Jones has his name affixed to a myriad of golf courses across the globe. Indeed it is estimated that Trent Jones has his named associated with upwards of more than 450 actual golfing courses in 43 states and thirty four different counties in a career as a golf course mogul of nearly seventy years. There has been no shortage of U.S. Opens played on the sports golf courses that he built, designed or remodeled. But not until Robert Trent Jones International Golf Club opening in April 1991 did his name became associated officially any one specific set of golf links.
And as befits an architect of his magnitude, this golf course is exceptional – more than something special. A real one of a kind. The naturally rolling terrain by the shores of Lake Manassas presents a most special and endearing atmosphere that exudes one word and theme: golf and golfing. This set of land seems to have been waiting for a golf course to build on its presence. Indeed Jones, who personally designed the layout, called it one of the best areas of land on the globe for a set of golfing links, which he had ever seen or even dreamed of.
From these 1,100 acres Robert Jones created a golf sports masterpiece that rates with any of his finest works. The layout is true to Jones’ architectural philosophy of each and every hole, on the layout, being a hard par and an easy bogey. And with trees that allow the course to lie anywhere from 7240 to 5400 yards, that adage holds true for players of every handicap. The most scenic of holes is held by many to be the 9′Th, a stunning par 3 that sits alongside the lake itself. Two holes later, another wonderful par 3 appears. On this hole on Robert Trent Jones of Lake Manassas Virginia, the tee shot must be played directly over a large tract of Lake Manassas.
It must be said and emphasized that the greens of Robert Trent Jones club are large and contoured. Most are bordered by massive bunkers.
This course is a perfect blend of tournament course and country club. Built with the great hope of holding major championships, there is ample room for spectators. Yet is a far cry from a wide-open tournament course. Instead it has an air of privacy and seclusion.
With the namesake of Robert Trent Jones to this club, it has a lot to live up to. My all accounts and legends built on worth and substance it has not let this legendary golf course architect down.