Donald Ross immigrated from Scotland in 1899 and soon after found his way to Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, where he designed four courses including the famous No.2 course which was the site of the 1999 U.S. Open.

In the 1920s he was commissioned to build courses for both Mid Pines and Pine Needles four miles away in Southern Pines. His courses were so playable and enjoyable that Ross soon found himself being commissioned to design courses for cities all across the United States. Ross was credited with approximately 485 designs-an historic achievement.