IAA Alumni Manage World Class Course

Image Credit: RTJ

November 2, 2012

Did you know Robert Trent Jones Golf Club (RTJ), a world class facility in Gainesville, VA, has strong ties to the IAA?  The namesake club of the world’s most prolific golf course architect who designed over 700 golf courses is maintained by IAA Alumnus Scott Furlong.  Upon graduating from the IAA’s Golf Course Management Program in 1998, Furlong became the assistant superintendent at RTJ and was promoted to superintendent two years later when then superintendent Glen Smickley, a 1980  IAA Alumnus, changed roles. 

The IAA’s relationship with RTJ began with Smickley when he supervised construction and served as the club’s golf course superintendent from its opening in 1991 until 2000 when he was promoted to Director of Operations. In the 20 years since, seven RTJ employees have attended the IAA. Furlong was one those students.  At the time, Furlong was an elementary school teacher and high school football coach.   He picked up a summer job at RTJ.   Smickley encouraged Furlong to attend the IAA, and golf course management became Furlong’s second career.  “I was able to combine my love of sports and the outdoors with a career as a golf course superintendent,” says Furlong.      

Furlong prepared RTJ for the 2000 and 2005 Presidents Cup tournaments and has supervised several renovations and improvements to the golf course. His most recent project, a new state-of-the-art short game facility, is receiving wide acclaim. It is only a matter of time until the club and Furlong host another major golf event.  According to Furlong, hosting major events are great, “but what I really love is working with students and interns. I really want more IAA students.”