Duke University Golf Club

Course Type: Resort

Design Role: Complete Redesign 1993

Co-Designer(s): Steve Weisser

Client Course Description

The natural beauty of the land was integral in his design work and his vision unified by directional bunkering, visible hazards, and accessible target greens. What a perfect fit for the Duke University Golf Club! It would be difficult to describe the loving care that Rees Jones puts into the design of each and every golf course feature. He is a demanding perfectionist who insists that future playability of his work be held at a premium. Throughout the redesign, Rees scrutinized every shot possibility, observed and considered every angle so as to insure that each nuance of the golf course would be subtle, yet perfectly placed. Duke Golf Club exists for you to play, enjoy and savor the vision of Jones and Jones. It is a work of art that is a singular masterpiece and one that will leave you with the distinct impression that, indeed, in Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s words, "...the golf holes were on the ground, just lying there, waiting to be grassed over."

Designer Notes

A complete renovation of the university-owned golf course. The original Robert Trent Jones routing was kept; all greens, tees, and fairway bunkers were rebuilt, and most fairways regraded. Rees Jones played for the Yale Golf team at the 1962 NCAA Championship!

Site Visit Photos

2/17/22 Rees Jones and Steve Weisser touring Duke University Golf Course with University representatives

2/17/22 Rees Jones and Steve Weisser touring Duke University Golf Course with University representatives.

Tournaments

• NCAA Tournament: 2001

Awards

• Golf Digest: Fifth, Best New Resort Courses 1994
• Golfweek: Best Campus Courses
• Golfweek: America's Best State-By-State Courses You Can Play

News

Duke University Golf Club Reopens

The Greening of Duke: Rees Jones Oversees Course Remake

Duke University Golf Club - Blue Devil for a Day