Mark
We always have a problem when we try to answer question like this. The main problem is that we do not really stop and equate the time frame/period with each designer. We are forced to promote one over the other even though their lives may have overlap. I for one find it most difficult.
As my research goes deeper in to the 19th Century guys I am more driven to actually give them more credit than the later architects. I have said it before and am more than happy to repeat my belief that the 19th Century designers actually opened a Golden Age of Golf Design.
I must start with Allan Robertson, whilst a great golfer, his designs were basic (when compared to late designers) but in his day he led the field in design techniques and ability.
Then Old Tom, his student and understudy while he undertook his designs and I understand assisted in them (particularly Carnoustie). Old Tom took design to a new and open level that kicked started the game and design through Scotland then GB&I. His input, ideas and designs lead the way for some 40 years with the majority of those that followed either knowing him, being trained under him or were influence by him, reinforced by being The Custodian of The Green at St Andrews. Through his period, courses started to standardise to the current norm of 9 & 18 holes although other non standard size still survive. In his time, he was the lead architect and certainly remains one of the most influential designers in the golfing world. Some do not rate his designs, but that is because they look back at past generations with the knowledge they posses today forgetting the constraints imposed on those past generations and the advantage later designers had in equipment and money.
James Braid, yes, great credit to him and thanks to his input, we have many of Old Tom's holes still in play. Again, some have complained at the speed of his modification but he improved the course as and where he saw fit. If the course was inherently good why change it, just adjust it to accommodate the modern ball and equipment. In addition, his new designs reflected his modifications looking to offer that early Scottish influence that so made golf so popular.
Willie Campbell another Old Tom trainee, produced some great courses but dead by 1900.
John Sunderland (of Royal Dornoch) stayed true to Old Tom’s designs and over the years developed Royal Dornoch into what she is today. Plus his efforts at Brora and Skibo plus a few others.
Donald Ross, now as I see it, not much of an achiever but made good in the USA. Royal Dornoch still give him credit, yet I see no reason as Sunderland & Old Tom were the real designers of Dornoch. No the club today promotes Ross to attract the US market and the Dollar due to Ross’s fame in America. Alas, he did not shine at all in Scotland IMHO and I would put him at the bottom of my list.
There are many more names to mention, all with some degree of pride but this is not a list for Scottish designers but of Scottish pride. Others will no doubt mention those I have left out but I have not done so out of disrespect but because the numbers are too many to mention by one individual.
Nevertheless, there is a great deal to be proud about when it comes to golf and design in Scotland.
Melvyn