Best Golf Courses by Donald Ross
Famous for his commitment to “naturalness” and “turtleback greens”, Donald Ross remains one of the more influential golf course architects in the history of the game. And while you might not know the golf course architect of any of the tracks you enjoy week in and week out, there’s no doubt that Ross’ vision and your golf game have crossed paths too many times to count. This little ode celebrates the best Donald Ross designs that you can book on TeeOff.com and it begins with two amazing Ross gems in the Pinehurst, North Carolina area.
Originally opened in 1921, Mid Pines Golf Course is known as one of the purest Donald Ross layouts in the country, and it is frequently celebrated for how seamlessly it fits in with the land from which it’s sculpted. Measuring just 6700 yards from the tips, Mid Pines has consistently stood up to bigger drivers with an unending ask for accuracy and those turtleback greens that made Ross famous (or infamous—for those four-putters amongst us).
In 1927, Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club opened to rave reviews, and this Ross design features perfectly placed bunkers and the kind of risk-reward opportunities that will forever leave you guessing if you should have played this club or that one. Like many other Ross tracks, strategy is paramount, and if you find yourself above the hole, your strategy has undoubtedly failed. Ross enthusiast Jon Fought’s recent restoration of Pine Needles makes it an absolute must play.
Sticking in the Tar Heel state, The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Asheville is a stunning Ross layout that features big mountain views, small greens and rolling fairways that must be found if you’re going to have a chance to score. The Par 70 layout at Grove Park has played host to Jones, Hogan and Nicklaus, and it currently entertains golf enthusiasts from across the globe. The Donald Ross statue on site has provided a photo op for many years, and hopefully you’ll find yourself in front of it one day celebrating a day full of good times—and maybe even a few birdies, too.
Moving up the coast, The Seaview Golf Resort- Bay Course, in Galloway, New Jersey, is a Ross design that has been entertaining visitors to Atlantic City for over a century. One of the rare places in the states where Ross’ Scottish roots come to shine, Seaview is a vintage links layout equipped with authentic ocean breezes and wind-swept greens that must be respected at all times. Wooden flagsticks and pot bunkers punctuate the Bay Course’s old-world charm.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort- Old Course in Bedford, Pennsylvania, is another can’t miss course on the east coast. A true architectural treat, the Old Course is the beneficiary of not only Ross’ genius but that of Spencer Oldham and A.W. Tillinghast. Recently restored to its original glory, the Old Course features plush greens, tight, perfectly manicured fairways and valley views capable of taking one’s breath away. A public track with a private feel, many have called the Old Course one of the best tracks in Pennsylvania and one trip around it will make you an instant believer.
We end our exploration into great Donald Ross designs in colorful Colorado with Wellshire Golf Course, a Denver offering that’s not to be missed. Originally opened in 1926, Wellshire features magnificent mountain views, tight fairways guarded by towering trees and small, turtle back greens. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Wellshire is a great place to tee it up in the Denver area.
Originally opened in 1921, Mid Pines Golf Course is known as one of the purest Donald Ross layouts in the country, and it is frequently celebrated for how seamlessly it fits in with the land from which it’s sculpted. Measuring just 6700 yards from the tips, Mid Pines has consistently stood up to bigger drivers with an unending ask for accuracy and those turtleback greens that made Ross famous (or infamous—for those four-putters amongst us).
In 1927, Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club opened to rave reviews, and this Ross design features perfectly placed bunkers and the kind of risk-reward opportunities that will forever leave you guessing if you should have played this club or that one. Like many other Ross tracks, strategy is paramount, and if you find yourself above the hole, your strategy has undoubtedly failed. Ross enthusiast Jon Fought’s recent restoration of Pine Needles makes it an absolute must play.
Sticking in the Tar Heel state, The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Asheville is a stunning Ross layout that features big mountain views, small greens and rolling fairways that must be found if you’re going to have a chance to score. The Par 70 layout at Grove Park has played host to Jones, Hogan and Nicklaus, and it currently entertains golf enthusiasts from across the globe. The Donald Ross statue on site has provided a photo op for many years, and hopefully you’ll find yourself in front of it one day celebrating a day full of good times—and maybe even a few birdies, too.
Moving up the coast, The Seaview Golf Resort- Bay Course, in Galloway, New Jersey, is a Ross design that has been entertaining visitors to Atlantic City for over a century. One of the rare places in the states where Ross’ Scottish roots come to shine, Seaview is a vintage links layout equipped with authentic ocean breezes and wind-swept greens that must be respected at all times. Wooden flagsticks and pot bunkers punctuate the Bay Course’s old-world charm.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort- Old Course in Bedford, Pennsylvania, is another can’t miss course on the east coast. A true architectural treat, the Old Course is the beneficiary of not only Ross’ genius but that of Spencer Oldham and A.W. Tillinghast. Recently restored to its original glory, the Old Course features plush greens, tight, perfectly manicured fairways and valley views capable of taking one’s breath away. A public track with a private feel, many have called the Old Course one of the best tracks in Pennsylvania and one trip around it will make you an instant believer.
We end our exploration into great Donald Ross designs in colorful Colorado with Wellshire Golf Course, a Denver offering that’s not to be missed. Originally opened in 1926, Wellshire features magnificent mountain views, tight fairways guarded by towering trees and small, turtle back greens. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Wellshire is a great place to tee it up in the Denver area.