Although it is nice that the local courses around the one the post is about are referenced for travelers, when it comes to Soaring Eagles, Hiawatha, Victor Hills, Ravenwood, Binghamton, Parkview Fairways, Elmira CC, etc. (surprised no one mentioned Watkins Glen, a sporty little 9 holer, or Trumansburg), in my view, Mark Twain is better than all of those mentioned. Great greens, great topography. One of the draw backs I suppose is that almost every hole plays up hill or down hill. 2 and 12 are about the only holes that tend to be somewhat level. Yet, most holes allow a strategic distance or angle advantage if struck into the proper spot off the tee. Haven't been there in a while. I cannot attest to conditioning presently, but when they are running well, the greens are very exacting for a public facility. Every green has exciting contours. The elevated tee shots and approaches to most of the greens inspire bold and aggressive play. It is a course that allows for and begs you to have fun. What more can be asked of a course?
As for the historical aspects and whether Ross mailed or not, I cannot say. Yet it a course with undeniable Ross character, almost text book in the manner in which the terrain was used for tee and green sites. A WPA project that Elmira was very lucky to receive. Could be the best Ross bargain remaining in America and that is a great thing.