American head of Donald Ross Society discusses ‘untapped’ economic potential of town’s link with legendary golf course designer

There is untapped potential for Dornoch to boost its “tourism dollar” as the birthplace of legendary golf architect Donald Ross, it is claimed.

The president of the US-based Donald Ross Society believes Dornoch could do more to capitalise on its link with the professional golfer and golf course designer, who was born in the town in 1872 and moved to the United States as a young man.

Vaughn Halyard met with Royal Dornoch Golf Club manager Neil Hampton and captain Professor David Bell during his recent visit to the Scottish Highlands.

As well as enjoying the delights of the famous Championship Course where local lad Ross was “keeper of the green” and the club’s first professional before being lured to the USA, Halyard took the opportunity to reacquaint himself with the area.

A Los Angeles-based media executive, with a home in Milwaukee, Halyard heads a society founded in 1989 to preserve and raise the profile of a man responsible for the creation of 456 courses in North America and beyond – and to protect the integrity of “the golden age of golf course architecture”.

He said: “As for so many others, every time I return to Royal Dornoch, it is special for me.

“During this visit, Neil, David and I brainstormed on ways the Ross Society and Royal Dornoch could collaborate and engage going forward.

“I was impressed with the club’s excellent ideas. We discussed how we could encourage even greater economic benefits in terms of tourism dollars for the town where Donald Ross was born and raised.

“There has been welcome investment in the tourism infrastructure, with upgraded hotels, but there is significant untapped potential in expanding the narrative associated with Donald Ross.

“These bonds amplify and complement the history that makes this ancient town so special.”

The Ross Society works closely with Pinehurst, hailed as “The Cradle of American Golf.” It has been designated a championship Anchor Site by the United States Golf Association.

“It was great to see Dornoch formally signing a collaborative agreement with Pinehurst last year,” said Halyard.

Groundbreaking 'mutual benevolence agreement', signed by Dornoch provost and mayor of Pinehurst, USA, at ceremony today, will build on golf legend Donald Ross's legacy

“Donald Ross gave us the famous Pinehurst No2 course and many more after he left Scotland.

“Businessman Richard Tufts and friends identified a young Ross as just the man to help develop the game in the States more than 100 years ago.

“The Ross Society works extensively with the Tufts archives and the Historylinks Museum in Dornoch is an obvious venue to showcase the shared Donald Ross heritage.

“Dornoch and the golf club were mentioned extensively during the recent US Open coverage from Pinehurst.

“But Ross designed more than 400 courses in North America, with many different design features.

“Ross was a hugely influential figure in the development of golf and golf architecture in the USA.

“He ran a big machine. He was prolific and far from a one-trick pony, working with all manner of terrain across the country.

“The Championship Course is always an amazing experience for any golfer but, as the home of Donald Ross, playing there is a magical, spiritual journey.

“There is a unique organic, historical, and familial affiliation between Royal Dornoch and the hundreds of Donald Ross designed courses in North America and the Caribbean.

“We at the Ross Society are working with Royal Dornoch to enhance the ties between them. Each can trace a direct historical lineage to Royal Dornoch.

“Pinehurst, Seminole, and Oakland Hills share the same lineage as less well-known locations such as Cedar Rapids in Iowa, Tupper Lake in upstate New York and The Highlands in North Carolina.

“Pondering the potential of these expanded relationships with Royal Dornoch is exciting for not only the Ross Society, but by extension, the entire vibrant community of Donald Ross designed courses.”

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