Donald Ross and His Top 4 Signature Traits

At the age of 27, Donald Ross left St. Andrews, and his mentor Old Tom Morris, and boarded a ship to New York for new opportunities. He made it to the United States with just $2 in his pocket, and the rest is history.

The Scottish golf course designer was a pioneer of his craft and paved the way for so many that his true commitment to golf is immeasurable. Ross left the game of golf with his brilliance that will last for generations to come.

About Donald Ross

Donald Ross was born November 23, 1872 in Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland in 1872 and lived until April 26, 1948. His father, Murdoch, was a stone mason by trade and was commissioned in the 1870s to leave Scotland and come to the U.S. to help build the New York State Capitol building.

Ross started working around golf courses when he was just 14, eventually making his way to St. Andrews. That’s where he worked under Old Tom Morris and began to shape his methods for golf course design. Between St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and his home club Dornoch Golf Club, Ross held every position from greenkeeper to head professional.

Despite working at some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, Ross ventured to the United States dreaming of creating his own. He landed a job at Oakley Country Club outside of Boston, and within his first year, he had completely reworked the golf course’s layout.

Ross returned to Scotland in 1904 to marry his wife, Janet, and the couple had one child (Lillian).

Ross was no slouch on the golf course. He won five times, including two Massachusetts Opens, and finished in the top-10 in the 1903 U.S. Open and the 1910 British Open. His brother, Alex Ross, actually won the 1907 U.S. Open.

Donald Ross Signature Traits

Donald Ross’ forte was clearly in the architectural design space of golf rather than in competition. He is, perhaps, the first golf course designer to make art out of his designs. Ross’ signature turtleback greens ensure that when you reach the green, your work is just getting started. Donald Ross’ signature traits include:

• Turtleback greens, which feature a higher center and fall away to each side
• Fun, elevated green complexes
• Bunkers and collection areas short of the green
• Routing that requires little walking from the green to the next tee box

Donald Ross Golf Course List

With a resume of about 400 golf courses, it's nearly impossible to draw a line that separates his greatest courses from the rest. His famed accomplishments include designs of Pinehurst No. 2, Inverness Club, Oakland Hills (South and East), East Lake, and Seminole, helping cement him as one of the greatest golf course designers ever.