Wayne
Are you are obsessed by "batting average" because of your in-laws? As much as I loved Richie (great 1st name) I'd take Schmidt (i.e. Ross) for my team over the wee mon any day.
As far as I can see, Ross still has the most "Top" courses on whatever list, and it's not just all down to volume. If that were the case, Bendelow would be the king, and I've played a few Ross courses that hardly show up on the radar but should be contenders. Sure he built more than a few average courses, but he's not unique in that regard relative to his ODG contemporaries.
As for Philadelphia, we all know that it is a very strange place. Perhaps if and when you and your factotum, TEP, finish the book we'll find out why only the guys at Aronomink were smart enough to hire Ross. Could you imagine what DJR could have done with the land at Merion or Pine Valley?! If he'd only been given the chance.......
TEP
You're the expert on Philly society. Tell me why Ross didn't get more commissions down there, and while you're at it, why didn't Flynn get more work in his native Massachusetts? Surely, it must be down to something other than capabilities or competencies?
Sean
Ross, Old Tom Morris and Braid are, and always will be, the Rodney Dangerfields of this website. Why? Beats me!
Rich