Rich
Much has been uncovered over the last few years, reports surfacing and confirmed by others sources. I am interested in written reports, how they can jump-start a search. Niall, as you know has been very active is his own research, which has also assisted my own topic of OTM. Niall is more interested in the later periods coming into the 20th Century I believe, but our interests do overlap at times. Niall has been a great help and has been credited with his input with the clubs that have benefited from his finds. I will not forget his help with Lamlash & Kelvinside, which has greatly increased our knowledge.
The questions one I suppose should ask is not necessary about Ross but Sutherland himself. Without going in to the story or details, Sutherland was more than a good golfer and ultimately involved in design. One must ask the question where did he get the design bug from, what pushed his interest in that direction, why did he not design the Dornoch extensions and mods in the late 1880’s?
There is a main focal point and by looking at the history most seems to stem from the late 1880’s. By 1892, Sutherland felt confident to design Brora & then Skibo, he felt it worthwhile to send Ross to St Andrews. Who was based at St Andrews and known as a course designer and would Ross have been involved in any way with OTM.
According to some NO, so why bother trying to change a closed mind. However knowing Sutherland as OTM did, why would he ignore the lad who was sent down to learn. Ask yourself was that OTM nature to ignore and not help.
As for Anthony comment, he had the pleasure of meeting an interesting guy who knows a lot about golf in St Andrews and Scotland, plus of the individuals concerned. If he made that statement, I would not dismiss it but would want to know more, to learn what courses etc.etc. However, that would be crediting OTM with contact with Ross and possibly influencing the young man, which is not what some want to hear let alone believe.
Forget proof or supporting articles or information from other historians. Does it add up that Ross would not have met OTM, would not have been interested in him and his work, but stayed alone working is a club factory while other played golfer and talked to OTM. Then you have to ask yourself why did all the others, to name but three Mackenzie, Hutchinson & Tillinghast bother with OTM. Sometimes simple basic common sense is also required, but I suppose when it questions one own agenda and opinions you must dismiss it quickly are irrelevant.
If you were a lad today and Tiger was the name in town, would you stay away and not be influenced by him. Hard one I suppose to work out.
Nevertheless, I think we need to go back to Sutherland. As for Ross, alas as I have said before he never shined here in Scotland, but that takes nothing away from what he did in his lifetime in golf.
Melvyn