Cornell takes the custody of Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s work
The Cornell University Library has preserved Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s memory for centuries to come. The University took acquisition of his work, included plans, records and communication on Thursday.
The University confirmed the news and said that the legacy had been transferred under the ownership of Cornell University Library by Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s sons.
University archivist Elaine Engst spoke to the press and said, “He is certainly a Cornell icon. During his lifetime, when he was approached by another university about donating his papers, he had his lawyer write a letter saying, ‘It is my intention to donate my collection to Cornell.”
Robert Trent Jones Sr. rightfully belongs to Cornell. The legend was a student at the university in 1930. He is known for producing 325 authentic designs of golf resorts in 45 states in more than 25 countries of four continents.
He started his career as a golfer, but poor health directed him into architecture. The English native travelled to the United States and took admission in Cornell. There he studied architecture, but the course was not appropriate for gaining a professional degree, which forced the legend to study further courses at four different colleges in Cornell. His biggest contribution to golf came when he compiled architecture, agronomy, horticulture, hydraulics, surveying, economics, and public speaking into a degree course. The course outline is being used at Cornell to date.
His entire work reached the university premises on Thursday. The work included all the projects that he covered from 1930-2000; personal correspondence with people such as Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead; sketches, photographs and contracts included.
However, the work was not well organized. Engst told the press that it would require another two years to give the work shape and clear compilation.
She said, "Trying to recreate the original order of the materials is important to a collection like this one.”
Robert Trent Jones Sr. was born in 1906 in England. He devoted his entire life to golf, which is why his name and work will remain as a glorifying example for fresh blood in the field. Robert Trent Jones Sr. died in 2000 at the age of 93, but his contributions will keep his name alive forever.
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