The Donald Ross Web Library

[Dunlop_White]

The Tufts Archives, in conjunction with the assistance of the Donald Ross Society and their Foundation, just launched the “Donald Ross Web Library” -- the world’s largest digital collection of design materials by a classic architect. Thanks to the hard work of Archivist, Audrey Moriarty, and a host of volunteers, the newly-developed "Ross Web Library" contains more than 6,000 documents of more than 232 Ross courses, including green sketches, hole drawings, and routing plans that are now available to researchers and other interested parties over the Internet.

You may access the "Ross Web Library" at the following link. Go to the "Table of Contents" for an alphabetical listing of Ross courses, where you may browse through the assets.
 
http://www.tuftsarchives.org/dr-test.html

While each image is watermarked as a "read only" file, a carbon copy is always available for purchase.

[Mark Pritchett]

Thanks for posting Dunlop, good stuff!

Hope all is well with you. 

[Ronald Montesano]

I don't believe that the order form link on the drop-down menu is functional. If you see something you need, send an email their way. I tried it in Chrome and IE, with no success.

This is awesome. I loved looking at the CCBuffalo drawings.

[Sven Nilsen]

Dunlop:

What a fantastic resource.  Question regarding the accuracy of dates used in the Web Library as compared to the Ross Society course listing.  For example, the RS list has 1933 for his work at Allegheny, while the Web Library notes 1923.  Is one of the two sources to be deemed more reliable?

Thanks,

Sven

[Dunlop_White]

This is a Beta Test version of the Digital Ross Portfolio. The order forms are not functional yet via the website. The assets are currently for viewing only on the website; however, if you see something you would like , you can always call or email in an order.

[Dunlop_White]

Sven -- Given that the DRS and Klein's DDR book list Allegheny as '33 and a Tuft's Archives Directory listing is '33, I would guess that this metadata listing of '23 was inputed incorrectly by accident. Thanks!

[Neil_Crafter]

Dunlop - what a fabulous achievement! Well done to all 

[Jeff_Mingay]

I agree with Neil, Dunlop. Awesome stuff, thanks.

[Mark McKeever]

Fantastic reference material.  Thanks!!

Mark

[Rick Shefchik]

Very interesting to see the Minneapolis Golf Club officially included in the Ross archives, after being excluded from Ross's lists of courses for decades. The routing map included for display is the original 1917 layout designed initially by Willie Park, Jr., though it is attributed in the archives to Tom Bendelow, and there is no mention of Bill Clark, the first MGC pro who quite likely altered Park's plans before the full 18 opened.

The Tufts archives possess a later routing map, mis-labled Minneapolis Country Club, that reflects Ross's redesign, under the direction of Walter Hatch. That was discovered a few years ago through the diligence of John Crowley. It would make more sense to display that one in this archive entry, but the fact that the job is included at all is a big step forward.

[Bradley Anderson]

http://tuftsarchives.com/vex/vex1/images/FD967345-2DFF-4C3B-BAAF-429916486841.jpg

Interesting feature on the 16th green at French Lick that I have never seen on a Ross drawing: GRASS HOLLOW.

I noticed this when I played FL last fall that there was a water holding depression on the spot where the drawing designates the HOLLOW. Is this as unusual and as odd as it seems at first blush? Does anyone else know of other Ross greens that have these mini punch-bowl features?

I had assumed that the feature was from the build of sand splashing from the bunker, but apparently it was designed.

[Mark McKeever]

Bradley

Come up to Schuylkill CC.  These "hollows" are everywhere.

Mark

[Tommy Williamsen]

I like the site and has useful information. But does anyone else have difficulty reading the routing diagrams? The logo is too dark for an easy read.

[Jeff_Mingay]

Bradley,

At Essex, in Windsor Ontario, Ross' 3rd green features two distinct sections. This hole's a par 5 where the green features high right and low left sections separated by a ridge. Both sections of this green were designed as "bowls". I think his plan for this green is posted at the archive web site. (Come to think of it, the 15th green at Essex is a "bowl-type" green as well.)  

However, the "bowls" at Essex' 3rd green both surface drain effectively. Obviously, Ross wouldn't have designed a bowl feature on a green that didn't surface drain other than at perhaps Pinehurst, Seminole or another sandy, free-draining property.  

[Mike Hendren]

Bradley, I noticed the feature at the Hill Course's 16th and assumed it had been flattened over time from sand splashes.  It reminded me of the thumbprint, albeit it much smaller, that Raynor and Banks often employed on short holes.

I also found it a little odd as the severe slope of the green would result in water draining directly into the bunker.    I'm guessing that such features were more prevalent at the corners of greens to drain water to the sides. 

Mike

[hhuffines]

There is an interesting article in today's News and Observer regarding the danger of losing some Ross documents at the Tufts Library in Pinehurst.  I don't have a link but I didn't realize they were in such need of additional funds.  Hope a little notice here might help!

[Carl Johnson]

There is an interesting article in today's News and Observer regarding the danger of losing some Ross documents at the Tufts Library in Pinehurst.  I don't have a link but I didn't realize they were in such need of additional funds.  Hope a little notice here might help!

Here's a link to the same article as published in the Charlotte Observer (the Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News & Observer are owned by the same company and share a lot of content).  However, the Charlotte Observer now charges for access on a basis that I haven't fully figured out, so the link may not work for you.  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/18/4917979/decock-foundation-of-pinehurst.html

[Tony Ristola]

Perhaps something for the USGA to lend a hand with? For the good of the game.