Episode Details

436-37: Robert Trent Jones Sr. is regarded as the most historically significant golf architect of the 20th century. The fabric of golf in America - possibly the world - is embodied in the extraordinary career of Robert Trent Jones in golf course design. In this abbreviated conversation with New York Times bestselling author and internationally distinguished historian James R. Hansen, Hansen shares the compelling life story of the man who designed or redesigned a staggering 400+ courses spread over 43 U.S. states and 27 other nations, including instantly recognizable names as Spyglass Hill in California, and Ballybunion (New Course) in Ireland.

James R. Hansen is a Professor of History at Auburn University in Alabama, a lifelong golfer, and his first book in 2005 "First Man" is the only authorized biography of astronaut Neil Armstrong.

The book is available in hardcopy or ebook versions in our Golfers’Mart book section at GolfSmarter.com

Please welcome our new host of Golf Smarter, Josh Karp! Fred has retired from his work life, including the podcast, and will be working on his game with more intention than ever. If you have a question for either Josh or Fred, or if you’d like to share a comment about what you’ve heard in this or any other episode, please write to Josh at karpj2323@mac.com or Fred at golfsmarterpodcast@gmail.com.