RTJ2 Golf Design

Forbes recently wrote about our design at Costa Palmas Resort on the East Cape of Baja California.: “The Robert Trent Jones II course offers desert, mountain, and sea views, as well as secret tequila stations that mimic the natural flora of the Mexican countryside and an open-air eatery called Lucha Libre.” If it sounds heavenly, that’s because it is! photo by @evan_schiller_phtography

To capture the insights behind great design, Golf Inc. asked respected architects in the industry to share the lessons that have stayed with them over the years. RTJ II president Bruce Charlton commented on the value of the shaper. "We can draw plans till we’re blue in the face, but it’s the shapers who bring it to life. It takes about three holes for everyone to get on the same page and understand the vision. When working with a shaper and they do something just right, I like to say, “Give me more of that. Whatever you did to accomplish that, keep doing it.”

Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club is set in the wilderness along the Gros Ventre River where the Grand Tetons paint a snow-capped background. Occasionally, wild buffalo play on the course, too, but they don’t pay green fees.

The USGA recently called Maine the “Golfiest” State in the Northeast. This is testament to the passion of Maine golfers and the visitors who travel to Maine each year to experience some of the best courses in the country. Two ski resorts nestled in Maine’s western Mountains, Sunday River and Sugarloaf, boast award-winning golf courses designed by our firm.

Vietnam’s Hoiana Shores Golf Club has been described as a Scotland-meets-the-East-Sea masterpiece carved out of pure, white sand dunes. The lack of artificiality is what truly sets it apart, as the land dictated the holes rather than the other way around. There are no imported materials here, and the course relies on native vegetation and the natural contours of the dunes, earning it status as Asia’s first GEO Certified sustainable golf property.

Our design at Four Seasons Bahía Beach Golf Course (Puerto Rico) was quoted as “one of the most underrated layouts in the Caribbean.” Golf Aficionado said the rhythm of the round "felt unforced and organic” so he could "swing freely and appreciate the moment.”

LINKS Magazine drew comparisons between SentryWorld and Augusta National Golf Club, which is a place that “defies imitation.” The author wrote, “Most obvious is the par-three 16th, affectionately known as the Flower Hole—a Redan-style green draped in tens of thousands of multi-colored blooms, tipping its hat to Augusta’s signature horticulture.”

Vidauban Golf Club in France, where we renovated the original Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, was recently cited in Golfweek’s Top 100 international courses at #23. We’re proud of our work at this storied private club.

Golf Digest called the North Course at Corica Park in Alameda, California, one of the best affordable 36-hole public facilities in the U.S., with a “fascinating design” at less than 6400 yards. Our firm completed the construction of the second nine in 2025, honoring the themes established on the first nine, creating wavy fairways and greens, allowing the ground contour to be the defining characteristic.

We’re proud that our design at SentryWorld has once again been selected by the USGA to host two future championships: the 2028 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and the for the second time, the 2034 U.S. Senior Open. SentryWorld is solidifying its role as a key host venue. Images by @Evan_Schiller

Ocean views, desert dunes, mountain backdrops. The Robert Trent Jones II course at Costa Palmas rewrites the Baja golf experience with an 18-hole landscape shaped by the natural beauty of the East Cape. Photo by Evan Schiller Photography

Corica Park’s North Course, which was reimagined and reopened in 2025, was cited among the top public course renovations of the year by Golf Digest. The layout—located in NorCal—features rolling hills that sweep across the landscape, wide fairways, and greens that weave seamlessly into the natural terrain. Images by Avani Patel

As stewards of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design legacy, RTJ II continues the restoration of Vidauban Golf Club, ranked among the Top 15 courses in continental Europe by Golf World.

Our renovation of Dorado Beach (West Course) has revived one of Puerto Rico’s most cherished golf experiences—originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Tees, fairways, and greens are planted in Pure Dynasty Paspalum Grass. The routing highlights Mata Redonda natural lagoon, tropical forest corridors, and strategic inland water features.

The West Course at Puerto Rico’s TPC Dorado Beach underwent a major transformation, enhanced by using land from the resort’s Pineapple Course. Stunning ocean views and elevation changes provide more strategic playing options (and distractions!) for golfers.

The 13th hole of the North Course at Corica Park, a public facility located near the Oakland International Airport, is RTJ II’s version of the famous postage stamp hole. The elevated tee box looks down at a fairway carved through fescue-covered hills, leading to a visually striking green complex. Three pot bunkers guard the front of the green. (AJ Pengelinan Photo)

Down Under, they refer to it as “Seventh Heaven.” RTJ Jr’s demanding 7th hole at The National Golf Club (Old Course) offers views all the way to Portsea, even across to Queenscliff on a clear day, with the ragged southern coast of the Mornington Peninsula rolling away beyond the hole. Oh, did we mention the in-your-face wind? The ravine below seems to swallow golf calls for breakfast. It’s spectacular.

At The Wisley, our 27-hole layout in Surrey, England, golf is the focus. The renovation of the Garden Nine illustrates that less can be more, as the work enhanced both visual appeal and playing strategy. The number of hazards has been reduced, allowing more space and playing options. Several greens were also reshaped. (Kevin Murray Photo)

A new 18-hole course is under development at the Sharm El Sheikh Four Seasons in Egypt. The site sits within a dramatic natural bowl framed by coral ridges and cliffs. Guests will be able to travel by boat directly from the Four Seasons to the marina, which will connect seamlessly to the clubhouse.

Among the standout holes are the cape-style par-5 5th, which wraps daringly around a lake, and the par-3 12th, playing to a green set on a watery peninsula. But none are more photogenic—or more famous—than the Flower Hole, a par-3 ringed by 50,000 blooms. Jones calls it his “Mona Lisa,” — a sign even says so by the tee — and it’s hard to argue with the description: a kaleidoscope of color in a landscape painting come to life. The hole is replanted every spring, just before Memorial Day, by a crew of 20 to 25, who take three days to complete a job that brightens the property throughout the season.