Some Of Donald Ross Golf Courses in American
Donald Ross was a prominent golf course designer known for his distinctive style and influence on American golf. His design philosophy emphasized strategic play, with an intention to integrate the natural landscape into the course’s layout. Ross courses are characterized by their meticulous green complexes, elevation changes, and challenging yet fair layouts.
Some of the most renowned Donald Ross Golf Courses in America include:
Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina) - Perhaps his most famous course, Pinehurst No. 2 is celebrated for its unique crowned greens and lack of rough, emphasizing a strategic approach to the game. It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and remains a classic example of Ross's design principles.
Oakland Hills Country Club (Michigan) - Home to several major championships, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, Oakland Hills features Ross’s signature elements like challenging bunkers and undulating greens.
Evans Scholars Course at the Aine (Illinois) - Originally designed as an amateur course, it showcases Ross’s ability to create engaging layouts suitable for all skill levels, featuring a beautiful landscape and thoughtful course management.
Aronimink Golf Club (Pennsylvania) - Known for its tough layout and scenic beauty, Aronimink has hosted the PGA Championship and the Senior PGA Championship, showcasing Ross's knack for creating challenging courses that stand the test of time.
Maine’s Belgrade Lakes Golf Club - This course exemplifies Ross’s ability to blend a course into its natural surroundings, offering a serene experience while still presenting a formidable challenge to golfers.
West Chester Golf & Country Club (Pennsylvania) - A classic Ross design, it beautifully integrates natural features while providing a test of both skill and strategy, embodying the characteristics that define Ross courses.
Donald Ross's influence is evident across numerous states, with many of his designs being preserved and cherished by golf enthusiasts. His legacy continues to shape the golfing experience, drawing players to courses that demand clever shot-making and strategic thinking. Whether you are a novice or an experienced player, a round on a Ross-designed course promises to be memorable.
Clubhouse at French Lick Resort design by Donald Ross
Donald Ross was a prolific golf course designer, and it's estimated he designed or renovated around 400 courses. Here's a list of some of his most famous and highly-regarded designs:
Highly Acclaimed Courses
Pinehurst No. 2 (Pinehurst, North Carolina): Arguably his most famous design, and a frequent host of major championships.
Seminole Golf Club (Juno Beach, Florida): A highly exclusive and challenging course known for its wind and coastal views.
Oak Hill Country Club (Rochester, New York): Home to multiple PGA Championships and Ryder Cups.
Inverness Club (Toledo, Ohio): Another course that has hosted numerous major championships.
Aronimink Golf Club (Newtown Square, Pennsylvania): A classic design with challenging greens.
Scioto Country Club (Columbus, Ohio): Known for its strategic layout and challenging par 3s.
The Country Club (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts): One of the oldest golf clubs in the United States.
Oakland Hills Country Club (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan): A challenging course that has hosted several major championships.
Other Notable Courses
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club (Southern Pines, North Carolina): Sister course to Pinehurst No. 2, and a great example of Ross's design philosophy.
Southern Pines Golf Club (Southern Pines, North Carolina): Another classic Ross design in the Sandhills region of North Carolina.
French Lick Resort (French Lick, Indiana): A beautifully restored course with classic Ross features.
The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, Colorado): A mountain resort course with stunning views.
East Lake Golf Club (Atlanta, Georgia): Home to the Tour Championship.
The Homestead (Hot Springs, Virginia): A historic resort with two Ross-designed courses.
Finding More Courses
Donald Ross Society: This organization is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Ross's legacy. Their website (rosssociety.org) may have more information on his courses.
Golf Course Rankings: Websites like Golf Digest and Golf Magazine publish rankings of the best courses in the United States, and many of Ross's designs are included.
State Golf Associations: Many state golf associations have lists of courses in their region, and you can often filter by architect.
Important Note: Many of Donald Ross's courses are private clubs. If you're interested in playing one of his courses, you may need to be a member or know a member. However, there are also some excellent public Ross courses available.
Donald Ross Golf Courses
Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course at The Highlands Boyne Resort Michigan.
Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course in Boyne, Michigan, offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the finest holes designed by the legendary golf course architect, Donald Ross. This course pays homage to his most celebrated designs, allowing golfers to play iconic holes that are often out of reach for the everyday player.
Each hole captures the essence of Ross’s strategic design philosophy, featuring challenging layouts, natural terrain, and meticulously maintained greens. Golfers can anticipate a memorable round that combines both beauty and challenge, experiencing the nuances of Ross’s style in a setting that is as picturesque as it is demanding.
Whether you are an avid enthusiast of golf architecture or simply seeking a remarkable round, the Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course provides a distinctive blend of history and skill, making it a coveted destination for those looking to enrich their golfing journey.