Discovering Donald Ross: The Architect and his Golf Courses

My initial response was to be impressed by the respect Dr. Bradley S. Klein commands from others in the world of golf. Jack Nicklaus wrote the comments that appear on the back cover and Pete Dye penned the Foreword. Such heavyweights lend credibility to the journey that unfolds between the covers as you learn about Mr. Ross's life in great detail.

First off, understand this is not a "Confidential Guide" to Donald Ross courses. Dr. Klein has written a comprehensive biography on the individual, which inevitably turns to discussion of his work and design philosophy.

Through exhaustive reserach, Klein makes an attempt to list all of the courses that have been touched by Ross's greatness and determine whether or not he made it on site. An attempt to chronicle all of the courses designed by Ross is beyond the scope of this book, leaving a follow-on sequel a distinct possibility.

Many courses are mentioned, but they tend to be his most significant work in some measure. For example, Interlachen CC in Edina, MN is often cited as one of his best courses, but it isn't profiled here because it was a redesign of an existing course and was already Ross's 7th venue to host the U.S. Open. The courses that are covered can be viewed as milestone works - Oakley was his first, Essex his earliest "great" work, Seminole his last, Pinehurst where he spent the most time, and Teugega located where he had a girlfriend!

You will find just the right amount of old memorabilia and correspondence to satisfy those looking for heavy detail without boring those who are more inspired by colorful photography.

For fans of Donald Ross, Klein's work will serve as the Bible for an examination of personality and design style. It even goes so far as to dispel some of the myths, like saying Pinehurst's crowned greens are the result of years of topdressing instead of architectural intent.