The Master Architect
Donald James Ross (1872–1948) was a Scottish-American golf course architect who is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history of golf course design. Born in Dornoch, Scotland, Ross learned the game and the craft of greenkeeping at Royal Dornoch Golf Club before apprenticing under Old Tom Morris at St Andrews.
“The object of a bunker or trap is not only to punish a physical mistake, to punish lack of control, but also to punish pride and egotism.”
— Donald Ross
Coming to America
In 1899, Ross emigrated to the United States, initially working at Oakley Country Club in Massachusetts. His big break came in 1900 when he was hired by James W. Tufts to be the golf professional at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. It was there that Ross would create his masterpiece—Pinehurst No. 2— which has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships.
Design Philosophy
Ross's design philosophy emphasized strategic golf over penal design. His courses are known for:
- Crowned greens that reject poorly struck approach shots
- Strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful play
- Natural terrain integration that works with the land
- Multiple angles of attack on each hole
- Fair but demanding test of golf for all skill levels
Legacy
Over his career, Ross designed or redesigned more than 400 golf courses across the United States and beyond. His courses have hosted countless major championships, and many are consistently ranked among the finest in the world. Notable Ross designs include:
Pinehurst No. 2
North Carolina
Oakland Hills
Michigan
Seminole Golf Club
Florida
Oak Hill Country Club
New York
Aronimink Golf Club
Pennsylvania
Inverness Club
Ohio
The Ross Revival
In recent decades, there has been a renewed appreciation for Ross's work, with many clubs undertaking restoration projects to return their courses to Ross's original intentions. Architects like Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have led efforts to preserve and restore Ross's design legacy for future generations.