Paying tribute to Donald Ross, original architect of the Carolina 9

Donald Ross (1872–1948), born in Dornoch, Scotland and mentored at St. Andrews by Old Tom Morris, is one of golf’s most revered course architects. In 1926, Ross designed the original nine holes at the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, utilizing the natural contours of what was then an operating dairy farm in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. His thoughtful layout embraced the land’s elevation and beauty, creating a course that remains both scenic and challenging.

Building on Ross’s original vision, the course later underwent a significant renovation through a partnership between Bobby Weed’s and Raines. Their collaborative efforts honored Ross’s legacy while enhancing the playability and character of the course for future generations.