DEFENDING TRADITION . . .

Donald Ross Society Mission Statement

Founded in 1989 to recognize and safeguard the integrity of courses from the "Golden Era" of Golf Course Architecture, the Society's particular focus is the work by Donald J. Ross & Associates of Pinehurst, North Carolina before 1948. We believe that the golf courses designed by Ross are works-of-art that merit close care and meticulous pres

ervation. When renovation work is needed, we believe that - wherever possible - the course should maintain its original look, shape, and playing character; and when accommodations are needed for the modern game, they should be consistent with the original design intent. We, therefore urge clubs to seek out those architects, shapers, consultants and superintendents in the industry who endeavor to preserve these traditions, and that are comfortable with the basic strategies outlined in our Restoration Guidelines, wherein we distill the wisdom of countless restoration successes and provide a blueprint for clubs interested in recapturing their Donald Ross design integrity.

For twenty years, we have endeavored to:

Establish "Restoration Guidelines" to outline the entire course restoration process -- from initial archival research through the effort of “selling” the project to the club membership;

Identify Donald Ross designed golf courses as viable and important contributions to the history of golf course architecture;

Serve as a clearinghouse for information on golf course architecture and in particular the restoration of classic courses;

Develop a forum for the collection and dissemination of historical information concerning Donald Ross golf courses, and support the maintenance of architectural archives;

Assist in the restoration efforts of Donald Ross golf courses through a network of Allied Associations that include The American Society of Golf Course Architects, The Club Managers Association of America, The National Golf Foundation, The PGA TOUR, The PGA of America, and the United States Golf Association, among others;

Maintain a roster of Society Members that facilitates networking opportunities with fellow members.

And, through the Donald Ross Society Foundation

Support historical and archival research on golf architecture such as conducted by the Tufts Archives in Pinehurst, NC.

Provide funds to support the restoration and maintenance of municipal golf courses designed by Donald Ross.