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Bret Lawrence

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #125 on: March 03, 2018, 12:52:02 AM »
Photo of the 17th hole at Seminole, published in 1931.


Golfdom-December 1931 (Cover):
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/golfd/article/1931deccv.pdf


Feature on Birmingham Country Club and the superintendent, Frank Dooley. The last paragraph of the story contains information on Dooley's history with Ross and how Dooley ended up in Birmingham. Also included is a great picture of Dooley's equipment from 1939.


Golfdom-February 1939
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/golfd/article/1939feb15.pdf




Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #126 on: March 03, 2018, 02:04:16 PM »
Since this thread started, Jan Ludwig and the folks at the Donald Ross Society have produced an update to the course listing found in the link below:

http://www.rosssociety.org/resources/Documents/Ross_Course_List_Feb_2018_final_.pdf

There will always be more updates to be found, but I was happy to see the new information released and the updates that were made.  The latest release is the combined efforts of three very different sets of researchers.  Mr. Ludwig and the folks at the Tufts Archives are continually sifting through the items they hold, while a team of researchers and historians from individual courses send in updates on their particular areas of focus.  The third prong is the work of those who pour through the old magazine and newspaper articles, like many of those interested in such matters from this site and like Chris Buie did in preparing for his book.  I believe it is the combination of these three different approaches that makes this listing the most complete analysis of one architect's body of work as can be found, a remarkable feat considering Ross' total output of courses.

As Mr. Ludwig notes in the lead in to this listing, the last few years have seen a tremendous increase in the amount of information that has become available, as more and more old magazines, books and newspapers are being digitized and made available for review.  There are new sources coming available on almost a monthly basis, and I'll endeavor to update this thread as new items arise as a supplement to the listing above.
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #127 on: March 03, 2018, 04:38:58 PM »
1930


Congressional Country Club - Blue (Bethesda, MD) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1930, Still in Existence

Not included in the 1930RB.

I don't have much on Ross here other than the article below discussing the 10th hole, and should note that other sources have his work in 1934.

Jan. 12, 1937 Evening Star -




Myers Park Country Club (Charlotte, NC) - 9 Holes, Remodel in 1930?, 18 Holes, New in 1945, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Remodel in 1930? changed to New in 1922

Not included in the 1930RB.

Ross was there in the early '20's renovating and adding 9 holes to the course built by A. W. Tillinghast.  He returned in 1937 when the club purchased new land looking to replace 8 holes of the existing course, but it doesn't appear that those plans went through until 1945.

Jan. 18, 1922 Charlotte Observer -



Nov. 30, 1922 Charlotte Observer -



Jan. 10, 1937 Greenville News -



1945 Ross Plan -




Apawamis Club (Rye, NY) - 3 Holes, New in 1930, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 3 Holes, Remodel in 1918-29

Not included in the 1930RB.

Pretty sure this work took place a few years later.  There was a June 1931 Golf Illustrated article on the club that noted very few changes had been made to the course since it had moved to its current location in 1899.


Elkview Country Club (Carbondale, PA) - 18 Holes, New in 1930, Still in Existence

Not included in the 1930RB.

Ross first arrived in Carbondale around 1919/1920.  He and McGovern later extended the course to 18 holes.

Aug. 15, 1922 Carbondale Daily News -



April 18, 1931 Times-Tribune -



1930 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Whitemarsh Valley Country Club (Lafayette Hill, PA) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1930, Still in Existence

The 1930 Ross Booklet notes 18 holes Remodeled.

As noted in the 1919 Additions thread, Ross was here earlier.  I don't have anything on his 1930 work.


Triggs Memorial Golf Club (o/k/a Providence Muny) (Providence, RI) - 18 Holes, New in 1930, Still in Existence

The 1930 Ross Booklet notes 18 holes.

1929 Ross Preliminary Plan -



1930 Ross Plan -




Richland Country Club (Nashville, TN) - 18 Holes, Remodel in the 1930's, NLE

2018 DRS Update - Date changed to 1920-21

Not included in the 1930RB.

The history of Richland is a bit tough to decipher.  The club's roots stem from the old Nashville G&CC, and best I can tell it remained at the original site of that course up until 1980.  When Richland was formed around 1920, work was done on the existing course, and although the club history notes Ross did this work I can find no record of his involvement at that time.  Ross visited in 1930 when Richland was looking to move to a new site, but the move didn't take place.  The club had further plans to move in 1936 to a site that would eventually become Hillwood CC with Ross to be engaged for the new course, but that move didn't take place either.

July 23, 1930 The Tennessean -



Sept. 29, 1936 The Tennessean -

« Last Edit: May 13, 2021, 01:54:53 PM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Bill Healy

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #128 on: March 03, 2018, 04:47:24 PM »
Mr. Nilsen,

Thank you for "Re-understanding Donald Ross"
I appreciate the information----especially the primary sources.

I can augment your information on Concord CC in Concord, MA.

In June 1913, the Governing Board of Concord CC engaged Donald Ross to build a nine hole golf course.
This course was built for $1590, and it opened for play on July 4, 1914.
In 1921-22, Ross returned to Concord to review the golf course and suggest improvements, which generally consisted of extending tees, adding length, reconstructing bunkers, and remodeling the putting surface of one green.
In 1928, the Club decided to add nine more golf holes, and Ross was hired again, for which he was paid $1000.
The eighteen hole golf course at Concord CC opened for play on October 4, 1930.
Ross returned in November 1930 to make a few suggestions for improvement, and this is probably his last visit to Concord.

Thanks for your good work.

Bill Healy

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #129 on: March 03, 2018, 06:50:26 PM »
1931


Richmond Pines Country Club (Rockingham, NC) - 9 Holes, Remodel in 1931, Still in Existence

May 18, 1940 News and Observer -






Jeffersonville Golf Club (West Norristown, PA) - 18 Holes, New in 1931, Still in Existence

Work probably started here earlier than 1931.  Thanks to Joe Bausch who first found the article below.

May 25, 1931 Public Ledger -



1942 Aerial -




Upper Saucon Township Municipal GC (f/k/a Tumblebrook GC) (Coopersburg, PA) - 9 Holes, New in 1931, Still in Existence

1931 Ross/McGovern Plan (forwarded by Mike Cirba) -




1932


Carolina Pines Golf Club (Raleigh, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1932, NLE in 1942

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Tupper Lake Golf Club (Tupper Lake, NY) - 18 Holes, New in 1932, Still in Existence

Worth noting that Cornish & Whitten has this as a Willard Wilkinson course.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2020, 10:35:45 AM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #130 on: March 04, 2018, 09:23:19 AM »
The article below gives a fairly brief bio of Ross.  Towards the end of the piece the author notes how Ross introduced traps to the game to battle the unscientific layouts of the early courses.  While I don't believe Ross invented the idea of adding traps to a course, I do believe he mastered how to use traps, to the point that it may be what he was best known for. 

We spend a good deal of time around here discussing exactly what is meant by the term "scientific" when it applies to golf course design.  The second article below from 1915 gives you an idea of what it meant back then.  If you were to sum up what scientific design meant to Ross you might come up with the concept of hazards on a course that offer a suitable challenge for the stronger player while being avoidable for the dub.

May 4, 1932 Niagara Falls Gazette -



Aug. 29, 1915 Hartford Courant -







Finally, another name to add to the Ross family tree of architects.

May 1932 Golfdom -

"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #131 on: March 04, 2018, 10:59:25 AM »
1933


Zanesville Country Club (Zanesville, OH) - 18 Holes, New in 1933, Still in Existence

Although I don't have anything on Ross here, a 1931 article discussed plans for the new 18 hole course and included a preliminary map of the course.  The current routing of the course doesn't match the plan below, although it does appear to be the same site.

May 23, 1931 Zanesville Times Recorder -








Allegheny Country Club (Sewickley, PA) - 3 Holes, Remodel in 1933, Still in Existence

The 1930 Ross Booklet notes 18 holes Remodeled.

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 18 Holes, Remodel in 1911-24

Ross was here earlier, and I don't have anything on him in 1933.  A Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article posted below in the 1945 Listing notes Ross doing remodeling work at that time.


1934


Brightwood Golf & Country Club (Dartmouth, NS, CAN) - 9 Holes, New in 1934, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Now noted as 9 Holes New in 1921 and 9 Holes Remodeled in 1921

Another Canadian project.


1935


Asheboro Municipal Golf Club (Asheboro, NC) - 9 Holes, New in 1935, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Date changed to 1937

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Mayfield Country Club (Euclid, OH) - 18 Holes, New in 1935, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 18 Holes, Remodel in 1911-12

I don't have anything on Ross here.


1936


Hyannisport Golf Club (Hyannis Port, MA) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1936, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 9 Holes, New in 1936, 9 Holes, Remodel in 1936

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Ponkapoag Golf Club - 1 (Redman GC) (Canton, MA) - 18 Holes, New in 1936, Still in Existence
Ponkapoag Golf Club - 2 (Canton, MA) - 9 Holes, New in 1936, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Dates changed to 1932

1931 Metropolitan District Commission Annual Report -







July 2, 1932 Boston Globe -



The articles below cover the opening of the third 9 holes designed by Ross, which were incorporated with the existing second 9 into a new 18 hole course with the existing first 9 remaining as a stand alone 9 holer. 

June 14, 1941 Boston Globe -





June 21, 1941 Boston Globe -



June 24, 1941 Boston Globe -




Bloomfield Hills Country Club (Bloomfield Hills, MI) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1936, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Notation added of "two redesigns but never built" and changed to Design c. 1920

See the article in the 1919 Additions noting Ross doing work in 1919 and returning in 1935-36 to alter tees and greens.


Monroe Country Club (Monroe, NC) - 9 Holes, New in 1936, Still in Existence

April 11, 1937 Charlotte Observer -



Feb. 7, 1938 The Daily Times-News -



Course Plan (with what appears to be Ross' signature) -




1936 Additions:

Dayton CC (Dayton, OH)

See the 1919 listing noting Ross' work here in 1936.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2020, 10:02:52 AM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sean_A

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #132 on: March 04, 2018, 09:33:30 PM »
Sven...or whomever


Why the heck does Tufts stamp the digital maps in such a horrible manner?  Why can't they put a dicreet stamp in a corner? 


Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #133 on: March 05, 2018, 09:59:07 AM »
Quick side note to try to decipher a bit of a mystery.

In the 1920 listing above I noted Gross Ile and posted the Ross course plan which matches what is on the ground today.  I also included a Aug. 29, 1920 Detroit Free Press ad for Golf View Estates on Grosse Ile, copied below.



If you look closely at the map in the ad, the location of the course noted is that of today's West Shore G&CC.  West Shore is credited in some sources to George Ferry (with dates varying between 1908 and 1916).  West Shore was also known as Island CC, as noted in the following article.

May 14, 1933 Detroit Free Press -



This article, along with the 1920 ad, seems to suggest that West Shore (f/k/a Island) was designed by Ross.  This would make Ross responsible for both of the golf courses on Grosse Ile.

"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #134 on: March 05, 2018, 10:07:28 AM »
Two quick notes on Ross from 1933.

First, some quick thoughts on tee construction.  The idea of the free-flowing tee box that doesn't have to be perfectly aligned to the line of play has seen a bit of a resurgence in our times.

Feb. 5, 1933 The National Greenskeeper -




Second, an image of Ross presenting the prize for the North and South, the tournament he managed during his years at Pinehurst.  The North and South was one of the premier events of its day, and it brought a myriad of the best players right to Ross' doorstep.

April 6, 1933 The Herald-Palladium -




This 1936 article notes that Ross still had game in his later years.

Jan. 29, 1936 Cincinnati Enquirer -

« Last Edit: March 05, 2018, 12:26:24 PM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #135 on: March 06, 2018, 09:52:16 AM »
1937


Tedesco Country Club (Marblehead, MA) - 18 Holes, New in 1937, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Date changed to 1912

Addressed above in the 1912 Addition.


Mill Creek Park Golf Club - South (Youngstown, OH) - 18 Holes, New in 1937, Still in Existence

I don't have anything Ross here.


1938


Brunswick Country Club (Brunswick, GA) - 18 Holes, New in 1938, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 9 Holes, New in 1938, 9 Holes, Remodel in 1938

Post-1930 Ross Booklet notes 9 Holes, New in 1936.

The club's history notes they moved to a new location in 1936 and Ross was hired to design the back nine in 1938 and later that year he redesigned all of the greens.


George Wright Golf Course (Muny) (Hyde Park, MA) - 18 Holes, New in 1938, Still in Existence

Work first started here in 1930.

Dec. 17, 1930 Boston Globe -



June 3, 1937 Boston Globe -








1938 Additions:


Woodstock CC (Woodstock, VT)

Certain listings note Ross was here in 1938.  I haven't seen anything that confirms the activity.


1939


Mark Twain Golf Course (Elmira, NY) - 18 Holes, New in 1939, Still in Existence

March 2, 1937 Elmira Star-Gazette -



March 16, 1937 Elmira Star-Gazette -



Sept. 3, 1937 Elmira Star-Gazette -



May 25, 1939 Elmira Star-Gazette -





1937 Ross Plan -




Camden Country Club (a/k/a Kirkwood Hotel) (Camden, SC) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1939, Still in Existence

May 18, 1939 Florence Morning News -




Lancaster Golf Club (Lancaster, SC) - 9 Holes, New in 1939, Still in Existence

1940 Ross Plan -

« Last Edit: April 03, 2019, 06:06:41 PM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Kyle Harris

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #136 on: March 06, 2018, 10:06:08 AM »
That Joe Kirkwood photo is perhaps why Donald Ross was brought in at Huntingdon Valley to do some renovation work with the pending new right-of-way of Welsh Road? Kirkwood was the long-time Professional at HVCC.
http://kylewharris.com

Constantly blamed by 8-handicaps for their 7 missed 12-footers each round.

Thank you for changing the font of your posts. It makes them easier to scroll past.

Sean_A

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #137 on: March 06, 2018, 11:23:28 AM »
Quick side note to try to decipher a bit of a mystery.

In the 1920 listing above I noted Gross Ile and posted the Ross course plan which matches what is on the ground today.  I also included a Aug. 29, 1920 Detroit Free Press ad for Golf View Estates on Grosse Ile, copied below.



If you look closely at the map in the ad, the location of the course noted is that of today's West Shore G&CC.  West Shore is credited in some sources to George Ferry (with dates varying between 1908 and 1916).  West Shore was also known as Island CC, as noted in the following article.

May 14, 1933 Detroit Free Press -



This article, along with the 1920 ad, seems to suggest that West Shore (f/k/a Island) was designed by Ross.  This would make Ross responsible for both of the golf courses on Grosse Ile.

The article usurps the Grosse Ile G&CC story and slaps it onto West Shore! 

The GIG&CC map...you are looking at is a 27 hole iteration of which 9 holes were never built....a plot of land between Meridian and Bellevue Rds is where the holes were designed to be...backing onto gardens.  The holes planned in the bottom left corner became a housing estate of sorts...the land was sold to rebuild the house which burned down shortly after WWII.  Additionally, the numbering for the 18 hole course was reversed when the new house was moved so the entrance could be off Grosse Ile Parkway...which was the rail line. When the course was built the original rail bridge over Trenton Channel didn't take cars....hence access to the club was off Bellevue Rd. 



Ciao
« Last Edit: March 06, 2018, 11:29:02 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #138 on: March 06, 2018, 11:14:49 PM »
Sean:

Not sure if I follow what you mean by the usurping storyline.  Do you mean the article has it wrong and what they're actually describing is Grosse Ile?

Hosner is noted as the pro at Island CC in all of the Annual Guides that have a listing for the course (1925-1931). 

Here are a few additional articles covering the start of the Island CC (lka West Shore G&CC) course.

Oct. 5, 1919 Detroit Free Press -




July 11, 1920 Detroit Free Press -



Jan. 16, 1921 Detroit Free Press -

"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sean_A

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #139 on: March 07, 2018, 07:25:54 AM »
Sven


I am saying the story doesn't gel right.  The 9 hole + 9 hole Ross design story is Grosse Ile G&CC's history, not The Island Club (Westshore).  The author might have grabbed info from another story and used it for the housing estate story without fact checking.  GIG&CC doesn't have waterfront property, although there is a 9 hole golf course adjacent to GIG&CC which does have access to the marina, but it wasn't built until the 60s...I think.  The course is now owned by Grosse Ile Township.  To further muddy the waters, Grosse Ile G&CC was formed when the existing Grosse Ile CC merged with the newly built 9 hole course. I also note the name Welch in the article and ad.  This leads me to believe these docs are really about The Island Club (Westshore)...the location in the ad confirms this as well.     


What I find interesting about the article is the mention of two 18 hole courses and an extensive recreational area. I wonder if the orginal concept did include both courses etc and plans fell through.  The number of houses that is mentioned certainly didn't come to pass.  It took some effort just to get GIG&CC up and running let alone a mega club/housing estate.


Ciao       
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #140 on: March 07, 2018, 08:35:22 AM »
Sven

This leads me to believe these docs are really about The Island Club (Westshore)...the location in the ad confirms this as well.     

Ciao     


I think we're on the same page.  All of the recently posted items are about The Island Club (West Shore).  I don't think there are any mistakes in the articles, they just don't each individually tell the whole story. 

The Island Club was going to be a real estate development, and the initial plans called for two 18 hole courses (the plan for the additional 18 seems to have been scrapped early on).  A temporary 9 hole course was built by Ernest Way with the plan to have it replaced by the full 18 hole course designed by Ross and Hatch (not really a 9 and 9 situation, as the temporary course was replaced).  What the articles don't mention but allude to is that Way was on site to manage the construction of the Ross plan, as he had done on a number of other projects.

Just down the road, William Connellan was managing the construction of the new Grosse Ile G&CC course for Ross. 

Feb. 12, 1922 Detroit Free Press -




« Last Edit: March 07, 2018, 08:39:22 AM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #141 on: March 07, 2018, 09:18:18 AM »
A quick interjection to note I've added Durand-Eastman in Rochester, NY to the 1916 Additions listing.
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sean_A

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #142 on: March 07, 2018, 09:35:14 AM »
Sven

This leads me to believe these docs are really about The Island Club (Westshore)...the location in the ad confirms this as well.     

Ciao     


I think we're on the same page.  All of the recently posted items are about The Island Club (West Shore).  I don't think there are any mistakes in the articles, they just don't each individually tell the whole story. 

The Island Club was going to be a real estate development, and the initial plans called for two 18 hole courses (the plan for the additional 18 seems to have been scrapped early on).  A temporary 9 hole course was built by Ernest Way with the plan to have it replaced by the full 18 hole course designed by Ross and Hatch (not really a 9 and 9 situation, as the temporary course was replaced).  What the articles don't mention but allude to is that Way was on site to manage the construction of the Ross plan, as he had done on a number of other projects.

Just down the road, William Connellan was managing the construction of the new Grosse Ile G&CC course for Ross. 

Feb. 12, 1922 Detroit Free Press -




By 9 + 9 holes I meant 9 holes were open prior to the opening of 18 at GIG&CC....not that there were 9 holes then a design for 9 new holes was implemented.   


This is the first I have heard about West Shore being a Ross design...which it what you seem to indicate...no?  Do you have any further proof of this?  I strongly suspect Ross never designed West Shore despite announced plans. 


Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #143 on: March 07, 2018, 09:43:20 AM »
A series of articles and other items from 1937.

First, when Elmira hired Ross to lay out the Mark Twain course, the local papers ran a couple of articles on him.  The first covered Ross' history in his own words. 

March 9, 1937 Elmira Star-Gazette -





The second in the series covered Ross' work during the depression and his interest in public golf.  Like Bendelow before him, Ross sought to spread the game beyond the realm of the private club.  You could make an argument that the timing of the voicing of this opinion is a bit opportunistic, but despite most of his contracts coming from the club set, he was willing throughout his career to take on the more basic project.  The fact that he underbid his competition by a large margin for the Mark Twain project shows that in some sense not every build was about the paycheck (although at this point Ross may have been the only working architect left with the cushion to do so).









Another North - South trophy presentation, this time to Horton Smith.

March 27, 1937 Press Democrat -



An ad for Woods designed by Ross, in a sense continuing the legacy of club making he had learned at St. Andrews and Carnoustie.

June 3, 1937 Chicago Tribune -



Ross playing in a tournament for seniors, perhaps a precursor to today's Seniors Tour.

Nov. 30, 1937 Brooklyn Daily Eagle -

« Last Edit: March 08, 2018, 02:37:19 PM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #144 on: March 07, 2018, 09:45:55 AM »
Sean:

Further proof.  Note the side by side articles on the two courses.  We know Grosse Ile was a Ross, the plan says so.  Now we know Island CC (West Shore) was as well.

Sven

April 8, 1923 Detroit Free Press -


"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #145 on: March 07, 2018, 10:31:22 AM »
Sean:

Further proof.  Note the side by side articles on the two courses.  We know Grosse Ile was a Ross, the plan says so.  Now we know Island CC (West Shore) was as well.

Sven

April 8, 1923 Detroit Free Press -



Very interesting...thanks.  I would dearly love to see a Ross course map... 

I would really like it if West Shore was a Ross course. 

1. Ross can't be pigeon-holed as the greens for these two courses are very different

2. Who the design associate/man on the ground for Ross may have been more important than we know

3. William Connellan..maybe this guy was something special if it was him that came up with the greens at GIG&CC.   He was meant to have designed Indianwood with W Reid and I am a fan of Brae Burn as well.  Do you know more about his work Ross?

Ciao
« Last Edit: March 07, 2018, 10:46:46 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sven Nilsen

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Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #146 on: March 07, 2018, 05:41:58 PM »
As you can imagine, Ross' output slowed down to nothing during World War II.  I'll cover his post-war work in a bit.

First, an article that I thought a few of the purists around here might enjoy.

Feb. 8, 1941 Syracuse Journal -

"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #147 on: March 07, 2018, 06:39:47 PM »
The focus of my research in general has been on the years leading up until World War II, so I won't have a lot on the handful of courses remaining on the list.  If anyone has info to add in on any of these, please do so.

A Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article highlighted Ross' current activities.  All of the courses noted fit into the timeline, except for Hickory (I don't have anything on a new 18 hole course in Hickory at this time), Greenville (the only Greenville project I am aware of was a proposed hotel course which is noted earlier in the thread) and Allegheny (he was here in 1933, I have nothing on any later work).




1945


Highland Country Club (Fayetteville, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1945, Still in Existence

See the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above.

Oct. 12, 1945 Miami News -



1945 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Myers Park Country Club (Charlotte, NC) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1945, Still in Existence

See the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above and the Oct. 12, 1945 Miami News article above, as well as the prior listing for Myers Park in the 1930 listing.


Pennrose Park Country Club (f/k/a Reidsville) (Reidsville, NC) - 9 Holes, New in 1945?, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 9 Holes, New in 1929, 9 Holes, Design in 1945

Two 1945 Ross/McGovern Plans -






Lewiston Country Club (o/k/a Birch Hill GC) (Lewiston, PA) - 9 Holes, New in 1945, Still in Existence

See the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above.

1945 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Schuykill Country Club (Orwigsburg, PA) - 9 Holes, New in 1945, 9 Holes, Remodel in 1945, Still in Existence

See the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above.


1945 Additions


Irondequoit CC (Rochester, NY)

See the 1916 Listing above noting Ross and McGovern designing 9 additional holes.


Charlotte CC (Charlotte, NC)

See the Oct. 12, 1945 Miami News article above noting plans for Ross to add 9 holes.


Lenoir GC (Lenoir, NC)

2018 DRS Update - Changed to 9 Holes, Remodel in 1945

See the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above and the Oct. 12, 1945 Miami News article above noting plans for Ross to build a new 18 hole course.


1946


Greenwich Country Club (Greenwich, CT) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1946, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - 18 Holes changed to 4 Holes

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Hartford Golf Club (Hartford, CT) - 14 Holes, New in 1946, Still in Existence

See the 1914 listing above.


Benvenue Country Club (Rocky Mount, NC) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1946, Still in Existence

See the 1922 Listing above and the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above.


Cape Fear Country Club (Wilmington, NC) - 18 Holes, Remodel in 1946, Still in Existence

See the 1926 listing above as well as the Nov. 6, 1945 Pinehurst Outlook article above.


Catawba Country Club (Newton, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1946, Still in Existence

See the course map provided by Brian Ross in post #150 below.

Jan. 13, 1946 Charlotte Observer -




Stryker Golf Course at Fort Bragg (Fayetteville, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1946, Still in Existence

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Huntingdon Valley Country Club (Jenkintown, PA) - 18 Holes, Design Only in 1946

Please see the post from Kyle Harris below regarding the changes that were actually made.

1946 Ross/McGovern Plan -

« Last Edit: January 11, 2020, 09:34:41 AM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Sven Nilsen

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #148 on: March 08, 2018, 12:36:47 AM »
1947


New Smyrna Golf Club (o/k/a New Smyrna Beach CC) (New Smyrna Beach, FL) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

[To be updated]


Vesper Country Club (Tyngsboro, MA) - 9 Holes, Remodel in 1947, Still in Existence

2018 DRS Update - 9 Holes changed to 18 Holes

See the 1919 listing above.


Alamance Country Club (Burlington CC) (Burlington, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

June 14, 1946 Burlington Daily Times -





Oct. 9, 1947 The Daily Times-News -






Raleigh Country Club (Raleigh, NC) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

1945 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Miami Shores Golf Club (Troy, OH) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

April 16, 1947 Dayton Daily News -




Maryland Woods (Delaware County, PA) - Design in 1947

1947 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Silver Creek Country Club (o/k/a Bethlehem Steel CC) (Hellertown, PA) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

I don't have anything on Ross here.


Fort Mill Golf Course (Fort Mill, SC) - 9 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

1947 Ross/McGovern Plan -




Ridgefields Country Club (Kingsport, TN) - 18 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

1951 - Kingsport - The Planned Industrial City -



July 1, 1951 Knoxville Journal -



Aerial Photos -








Kinderton Country Club (f/k/a Clarksville CC, o/k/a Colonial Mills) (Clarksville, VA) - 9 Holes, New in 1947, Still in Existence

1947 Ross/McGovern Plan -

« Last Edit: September 03, 2019, 11:32:34 AM by Sven Nilsen »
"As much as we have learned about the history of golf architecture in the last ten plus years, I'm convinced we have only scratched the surface."  A GCA Poster

"There's the golf hole; play it any way you please." Donald Ross

Kyle Harris

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Reunderstanding Ross
« Reply #149 on: March 08, 2018, 05:28:06 AM »
Sven,

One change to Huntingdon Valley was implemented. They moved the 14th green and 15th tee as per the plan and that still exists today.
http://kylewharris.com

Constantly blamed by 8-handicaps for their 7 missed 12-footers each round.

Thank you for changing the font of your posts. It makes them easier to scroll past.

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