Donald Ross courses overrated?

[vandyfan]

This has probably been stated in a number of ways throughout this thread but Donald Ross can't control how his courses are being maintained in 2021. There were a few donald ross courses that I played that I thought were overgrown with trees and it initially made me blame DR but then I thought there was no way he would have let these trees get this big. It was my understanding that while he was living at Pinehurst he was constantly tweaking the course(s) and trimming back trees. In some cases, DR courses have been completely erased through re-designs or, at the other end of the spectrum, the course is too scared to even trim a single branch as it would take away from the design. There is a happy medium in between these extremes and that is probably a spot where the Ross courses thrive.

 

All that said, I am a sucker for dramatic golf design (not stupid fake fazio waterfalls but more of the Strantz vibe) and Ross is a bit subtle for MY taste. That said, I think he scratches the itch for many golfers and certainly belongs on the golf architect mount rushmore. 

[hollabachgt]

3 hours ago, blackbdmillsaps said:

All that said, I am a sucker for dramatic golf design (not stupid fake fazio waterfalls but more of the Strantz vibe) and Ross is a bit subtle for MY taste. That said, I think he scratches the itch for many golfers and certainly belongs on the golf architect mount rushmore. 

 

Donald Ross was very skilled at blending his designs with the landscape provided too him. On a subtle site he'd build a subtle course that flowed through the property. On a dramatic site he'd build a bold and dramatic course that showcased the scale of the site. If you'd like to experience more dramatic Ross work, a good place to start is Essex County or French Lick.

[VOL4Life82]

On 6/30/2019 at 6:16 PM, widow-maker said:

It's difficult for a course designed and built over 100 years ago to stand up to the test of time. Players are hitting drivers 100 yards further than what the course was designed for.

 While I agree with this, I played a Ross course today that is 100+ yrs old. My host pointed to two players on the practice tee ... both PGA players. Another in the Men's Grill was a past Masters champion. 

 

The course is fun and offers a wide shot variety. Even though its short, you had to be able to work the ball. It's most telling feature though, were incredibly small greens. This course forces you to have a good short game. Over half the membership are single digit players. 

 

I suppose you get out of the course what you put into it. I normally play a lot of RTJ courses and you just have to bomb it. Not nearly as much fun. 

[Mob]

I played a Donald Ross course last week (Broadmoor Country Club in Indianapolis) and I really enjoyed it.  It was fun to play and interesting.  The turtle back greens were challenging but fun. I would go back there anytime.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Restored Ross courses are a notch above the rest. I enjoy most Ross courses more than others as he moved very little earth in his designs. 

 

I think I am up to almost 50 Ross courses played!

[Roc-A-Fella_1]

2 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Restored Ross courses are a notch above the rest. I enjoy most Ross courses more than others as he moved very little earth in his designs. 

 

I think I am up to almost 50 Ross courses played!

Hope it’s not too much to ask but do you have a rough list / ranking?

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I have a list, but it's up to 542 golf courses! I do not have a separate Ross listing however. Some that I have played were awesome, some were good, some OK, and some terrible, but with great bones for the course to be great if someone was willing to pony up the cash!

[TBD203]

My home course is a Ross, and I absolutely love it. Are you punished for shots that are a few yards off of perfect? Sure. But that makes it such an interesting course that can play differently every time you're out there.