ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF CLUB, GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA

AT A GLANCE

• Famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the championship course that was officially opened in April 1991.
• Jones, who built and remodeled more than 450 courses throughout the world, considered the course his “masterpiece.” Said Jones: “The terrain is aesthetically perfect. I don’t think we could have done anything better anywhere.”
• The course hosted the 2024 Solheim Cup, a PGA Tour event and the first four Presidents Cups held in the U.S. (1994, 1996, 2000, 2005)
• Lake Manassas provides soothing views on the property, especially on the back nine, but realistically comes into play at the par-3 11th, in which players must hit across the lake.
• Due to the length and course set-up, the 200-225 yard range is expected to require more than twice as many shots per round than the league average.
• The putting green at the 476-yard par-4 18th is on the shore of Lake Manassas, and players will need to avoid going left with their approach shots
• The shortest par 4 on the course is the 323-yard 10th, with two tiers on the putting green
• HyFlyers GC Captain Phil Mickelson is the only player in the field who competed at the Presidents Cups held at RTJ; he represented the U.S. in all four events held there, winning nine and tying five of his of 19 matches

ABOUT THE COURSE

Robert Trent Jones shaped how the world plays golf. And that’s not an exaggeration.

The great man designed or remodelled over 400 courses during his career, from Rio to Fukushima. You’ll find his footprints in the bunkers of Valderrama, the slopes of Medinah and the fearsome watery graves of Celtic Manor.

But there’s one course RTJ placed above all others. And that’s the one that bears his name in Virginia. Robert Trent Jones Golf Club was, he said, “my masterpiece.” And this year, it gets the champions.

LIV Golf debuts at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club June 6-9, giving fans a chance to see Bryson DeChambeau right before he puts his U.S. Open title on the line. It promises to be an instant classic: great players, fantastic course and a dreamy location, just a short hop from Washington D.C. 

WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE WE GOT HERE?

Robert Trent Jones Golf Club was kinda founded by accident. RTJ was scoping out a separate project when he found this gorgeous piece of real estate in Virginia, on the banks of the newly formed Lake Manassas.

Construction began in 1988, and the course was ready for play in 1991. RTJ described the terrain as “aesthetically perfect” adding: “I don’t think we could have done any better anywhere.”

A quick tour of the property backs up this sentiment. Practically every hole is a signature in its own right, but our favorite is the peninsular green on 11 which pokes out into Lake Manassas. If there’s a better-looking trap anywhere in golf, we’d love to see it.

Upon completion in 1991, the club became a home to the Presidents Cup, hosting the first four U.S. editions. It’s since welcomed several other events, including the Solheim Cup in 2024.

HOW WILL IT PLAY?

Hard, but fair. 

Apart from the stunning 11th hole, the water doesn't come into play too often. And the big greens should encourage plenty of ambitious play, although the sneaky contours could impose a heavy penalty on anyone who gets over-confident.

WHO WILL IT FAVOR?

RTJ courses always reward the thinking player over the bomb-and-gouge hitter, and his courses are extremely consistent: while there are no terror holes, there are no weak ones either. So the players who can stay consistent, and problem-solve around the course, should prosper.

Based on these characteristics, we’d say Jon Rahm, LIV Golf’s Birdie Machine, should do well here. But don’t rule out Phil Mickelson: he played in all four of those Presidents Cup tournaments at RTJGC, so he’ll have bags of local knowledge (along with lots of support from the crowd).

HOW CAN I BE THERE?

If you want to see the champions play a true masterpiece, then grab your tickets now. Cocktails on the lake, dining on 18, or a grounds ticket beside the players… however you want to do this, we’ve got you