CaddieTrail Guide
Donald Ross designed more than 400 courses across America and defined what parkland golf looks like. His trademark crowned greens and strategic bunkering appear on courses from Florida to Minnesota. Ten of his greatest American designs are on this trail — nine are private, including Seminole, Oakland Hills, and Inverness. Only Pinehurst No. 2 is publicly bookable. This is a trail for the golfer with decades of relationship-building behind them.
#1 on trail
Seminole Golf ClubJuno Beach, Florida
Donald Ross's 1930 masterpiece on Florida's Atlantic coast uses natural sand ridges and relentless ocean wind to demand precise shotmaking. Consistently ranked among the top 20 courses in the U.S.
#2 on trail
Pinehurst Resort (No. 2)Pinehurst, North Carolina
Donald Ross's 1907 masterpiece, restored to native sand by Coore & Crenshaw in 2011. Crowned greens and wiregrass rough define every hole. Host to four U.S. Opens.
#3 on trail
Oakland Hills Country Club (South)Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Donald Ross original, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones for the 1951 U.S. Open — where Ben Hogan famously declared "I'm glad I brought this course — this monster — to its knees," giving rise to the nickname "the Monster." Hosted six U.S. Opens and the 2004 Ryder Cup.
#4 on trail
Inverness ClubToledo, Ohio
Donald Ross design from 1919 that has hosted six major championships. Inverted saucer greens and tree-lined fairways define this Toledo private club.
#5 on trail
Scioto Country ClubColumbus, Ohio
Donald Ross design from 1916 that hosted the 1926 U.S. Open, won by Bobby Jones. One of Ohio's most historically significant private clubs.
#6 on trail
Franklin Hills Country ClubFranklin, Michigan
Donald Ross design from 1927 in Franklin, Michigan — considered one of the finest and most intact Ross originals in the United States. Invitation-only private membership on rolling Oakland County terrain.
#7 on trail
Oak Hill Country Club (East)Rochester, New York
Donald Ross's 1926 design has hosted seven major championships, including the 2023 PGA Championship. Tight fairways, severe rough, and small, contoured greens define the East Course's demand.
#8 on trail
Plainfield Country ClubEdison, New Jersey
Donald Ross design from 1921 with classic contoured greens and strategic bunkering. Has hosted multiple USGA championships. Private.
#9 on trail
Interlachen Country ClubEdina, Minnesota
Donald Ross design from 1919 hosting the 1930 U.S. Open, where Bobby Jones completed the third leg of his Grand Slam. Private Minnesota layout with classic undulating greens.
#10 on trail
Detroit Golf ClubDetroit, Michigan
Donald Ross design from 1916 featuring two championship 18-hole layouts in Detroit. Host of the Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA Tour event annually, making it one of the most accessible Tour venues in the Midwest.
CaddieTrail is the pursuit platform for serious golfers.