Designer is recognised for his “accomplishments, dedication, commitment and service to the ASGCA and the ASGCA Foundation”
By Richard Humphreys |
At the 2026 annual meeting of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), which was held earlier this month in Nashville, Tennessee, the ASGCA Foundation recognised golf course architect Rees Jones as the inaugural recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was presented by Jeff Blume, president of the ASGCA Foundation, to Jones for his long-term service and contributions to the ASGCA and its Foundation, as well as his commitment to advancing the profession of golf course architecture.
“On behalf of the ASGCA Foundation, it is my honour to present the inaugural ASGCA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award to Rees Jones, ASGCA”, said Blume.“Rees’s career as a golf course architect has been among the most respected and recognised in the industry, but this award recognises 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 organised 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 50 years. The Donald 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 US 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 recognising those who have shown so much support of our organisation and mission. We are honoured 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.”
Rees Jones, recipient of the ASGCA Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, spoke with Mike Hurdzan about his career during the ASGCA’s annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee (Photo: ASGCA)
Jones founded his design firm in 1974 and has since designed or renovated more than 300 golf courses, including many that have hosted major championships – leading him to take on the title of ‘Open Doctor’. He has also served in leadership and advisory roles at the ASGCA, contributing his experience and perspective to the Society’s initiatives.
“I am deeply honoured to be the first 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. 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.”