Donald J. Ross - the legendary architect of The Orchards is considered America's all-time favorite golf course architect. Ross emigrated to the United States from Scotland where he was a professional golfer, groundskeeper and club manufacturer.

By 1910 golf course architecture was his primary occupation and within 10 years he had become the first superstar of American golf. He commanded $30,000 for a golf club design at a time when the standard purse for winning a major tournament was just $1,000. By the time he retired he had created over 400 new golf courses throughout the United States.

The genius of Donald Ross was his ability to create holes that were perfectly integrated into the landscape. He paid careful attention to details and he was a master at adapting his design to fit the location. His trademarks were crowned greens as seen at his legendary creation, Pinehurst #2.

Today you can still feel his handiwork in every nook and cranny of The Orchards. You can see it in the deep bunkering with grass faces. The way the subtle fairways wind through the cathedral of trees. The Orchards is a sample of golf in its purest form.