Donald Ross & Orrin E. Smith

Donald Ross is perhaps the best known golf architect to casual golfers. His famous works at Pinehurst No. 2, Seminole, and Oakland Hills are some of the most respected courses in North America, and the PGA tour makes frequent stops at Ross-designed courses. Donald Ross left his mark on Connecticut as well -- directly, with courses like Shennecossett and Wampanoag, as well as indirectly through his disciple, Orrin E. Smith. Ross and Smith are responsible for shaping at least seven of the hickory golf era courses that survive in Connecticut.

Ross built courses across the country, but held satellite offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, working in New England in the summer months while working winters in the south. Ross' courses are typically well-routed for walking golf and allow run-up shots, but often penalize long and topped shots with steep drop-offs behind the green and cross bunkers ready to snare worm-burners.

Orrin E. Smith was a student of Ross' and a Southington, Connecticut native. While his courses do not have the same prestige of Ross-designed tracts, they often feature similar characteristics. Smith began his career working with another golf design great, Willie Park, Jr. at Shuttle Meadow in Berlin -- just minutes from Smith's home. Smith utilized the steam shovel to build deep bunkers and steep features, likely inspired by Ross.