Donald J. Ross Ross’ work began with the land, either that with 1872 - 1948 Mill Creek Golf Course which he was presented or in some instances, that which he helped select. A born environmentalist, Donald James Ross, regarded as the father of he’d walk the land over and over again to get just Mill Creek Golf Course is part of Mill golf course architecture, was born in Dornoch, the routing that nature and the elements seemed Creek MetroParks in Mahoning County, Scotland, in 1872. As a young man, he learned Ohio. Designed by Donald Ross, this the crafts of club-making and green-keeping, to dictate. beautiful 36-hole course is open to the public and he studied golf with Old Tom Morris at St. —Paul Dunn and B.J. Dunn, and provides a real test for even the finest Andrews. He became a professional golfer and Great Donald Ross Courses You Can Play golfer. The first 18 holes opened in 1928, recorded several victories, including a top-ten the third nine in 1932, and the fourth nine finish in the British Open, and four top-ten in 1937. finishes in the U.S. Open. Mill Creek’s South Course has been Ross created three design principles as the The death of Donald J. Ross at 75 in his foundation ofhis golf course philosophy: selected by Golfweek as one of America’s 30 beloved Pinehurst removes from the Best Municipal Courses. “Make each hole present a different problem. sporting scene another of the “grand old So arrange it that every stroke must be made with MetroParks’ North and South Courses, which men.” It was golf that grew out of his a full concentration and attention necessary to he designed in 1928. good golf. magic, from its early-century status of Build each hole in such a manner that it wastes Donald Ross was a charter member and first gutta percha and cow pasture pool to a president of the American Society of Golf none of the ground at my disposal and takes nationwide business and recreation for advantage of every possibility I can see.” Course Architects. He died in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in 1948 and was elected to the Golf thousands. First greenkeeper, then Ross designed over 400 golf courses in his Hall of Fame in 1977. Gary Player says “We are professional, then master designer, his career. Among his masterpieces are Pinehurst fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and fame developed with the game until the #2 in North Carolina; Oakland Hills in play his golf courses—a proud legacy he left Birmingham, Michigan; and Oak Hill in behind for us to enjoy.” Jack Nicklaus adds tag “Donald Ross course” attached to a Rochester, NY. Some of Ross’ Ohio courses are “Donald Ross has had a great impact on golf golf links had the connotation of sterling Inverness in Toledo, Scioto in Columbus, course architecture. He seems to be the standard for silver. Manakiki in Willoughby Hills, and Mill Creek by which we are all measured today.” —Boston Herald, 1948 DONALD J. ROSS Golf Course Architect MILL CREEK GOLF COURSE Route 224 Boardman, Ohio 330·740·7112 330·740·7122 • Open for public play 36 holes Tee time reservations for the entire season Expanded Pro Shop Snack Bar Individual and group lessons from PGA Professionals Leagues and outings available PAR 3 GOLF COURSE Green - Raise the entire green, James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area beginning at 0 at about the front, 330·740·7114 to gain a slope of about 1’6 up to “There is no such thing as a misplaced rear, by means of an easy • undulation Lighted Par 3 golf course bunker. Regardless of where a bunker A Plateau 9” above B 18 holes may be, it is the business of the player Tennis courts Donald Ross’ working sketches and notes for Volleyball court to avoid it.” Mill Creek’s North Course Hole #5 Batting cages.