New England's premier golf heritage experience.
Journey through history on the fairways of America's greatest golf architect. Experience the legendary designs of Donald Ross across five New England states.
Five regional trails. Twenty-plus public-access courses by the most prolific architect in the game's history. From the WPA-era drama of George Wright to the restored front nine at Met Links, the Ross Golf Trail guides you through Donald Ross's New England — with interactive maps, expertly crafted itineraries, and a digital passport to mark your progress.
Explore Donald Ross's masterpieces organized by region. Each trail offers a unique journey through golf history.
Trail 01 · Boston
Experience Boston's finest Ross courses from America's #3 municipal to Ross's own "home course" in Newton. Municipal gems and semi-private classics.
Trail 02 · Rhode Island
Ocean State heritage from Providence to the coast. Top-ranked municipal, restored classics, and waterfront gems.
Trail 03 · Massachusetts
Four Ross designs spanning Worcester County to the Berkshires. Dramatic elevation, strategic bunkering, and some of the best green fee values on the trail.
Trail 04 · New Hampshire
Lakes Region to White Mountains resort golf. Grand hotels, mountain scenery, and historic New Hampshire courses.
Trail 05 · Maine
Historic Poland Spring resort to classic Maine coast. Beach towns, lobster, and coastal golf heritage.
All trails across New England. Click any marker to learn more about that course or trail.
Three courses that exemplify the crown jewels of the Donald Ross Trail.
Boston
Often ranked among America's finest municipal courses, George Wright showcases Ross at his boldest. Built during the Great Depression, this layout features dramatic elevation changes and some of New England's most challenging greens.
Boston
Set within Frederick Law Olmsted's magnificent Franklin Park, this is the second-oldest public golf course in America. Established in 1896, it was redesigned and expanded to 18 holes by Donald Ross in 1922. Francis Ouimet honed his game here.
Rhode Island
The reborn front nine of historic Metacomet Country Club, originally designed by Ross in 1901 and restored to public play in 2024. Six original Ross holes preserved with dramatic terrain on Watchemoket Cove.
Beyond the public trail lies a world of exclusive Donald Ross masterpieces across New England. Discover 25+ private Ross courses and the access pathways that make them playable — from state golf association play days to curated events at elite clubs.
Playbooks for each club — invitations, reciprocal play, state association days, and member-hosted guest programs.
Collect stamps from each course you play and earn exclusive rewards. Join thousands of golf pilgrims on a journey through architectural history.
Receive your commemorative Donald Ross Trail passport with course details, historical notes, and space for stamps from each layout you conquer.
Collect unique stamps at each course pro shop. Each stamp features original Ross design elements and historical significance.
Earn rewards at 5, 10, and 15 courses. Complete the entire trail and receive the coveted "Ross Legacy" achievement and commemorative gift.
Track your progress online, share photos from each course, and connect with fellow Ross enthusiasts on the trail.
Expertly crafted journeys based on our current regional trails.
Morning — George Wright Golf Course (Hyde Park). America's #3 municipal with dramatic elevation.
Afternoon — William J. Devine Memorial (Franklin Park). Second-oldest public course, est. 1896.
Stay in Boston, explore historic neighborhoods, dine in the North End.
Morning — Newton Commonwealth GC. Ross's own "home course."
Afternoon — Sandy Burr CC (Wayland). Classic parkland design.
Explore Wellesley/Wayland countryside, return via historic Route 9.
Morning — Triggs Memorial GC. Top-14 municipal in America.
Afternoon — Met Links (East Providence). Restored 9-hole waterfront gem (1901).
Explore Providence's Federal Hill and College Hill historic district.
Full Day — Winnapaug Country Club (Westerly). Coastal links-style with Winnapaug Pond views.
Beach time at Misquamicut — stay in Watch Hill or Westerly.
Morning — Shennecossett GC (Groton, CT). Waterfront course with Long Island Sound views.
Visit Mystic Seaport, submarine museum, Mystic Pizza.
Play all four Boston courses — George Wright, Devine, Newton Commonwealth, Sandy Burr.
Base in Boston; explore the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park.
Triggs Memorial + Met Links in the Providence area.
Overnight in Providence; enjoy the culinary scene.
Winnapaug (Westerly, RI) → Shennecossett (Groton, CT).
Coastal scenic drive, beach towns, seafood.
Continue to the NH Mountain or Maine Coastal trails.
White Mountains resort golf or Maine's coastal Ross heritage.
Public Donald Ross courses worth a detour between regional trails. Standalone gems that bridge the trail — play them as bonus rounds on any itinerary.
One of Ross's earliest commissions — dating to 1906, the same year he won the North & South Open. Ross skipped that year's U.S. Open to build this course and Southern Pines CC. Recently modernized by architect George Sargent while retaining the original Ross backbone, the layout features rolling bentgrass greens and sweeping valley-wide views across the Merrimack Valley. Semi-private with public tee times available.
Cape Cod's oldest course, founded in 1900 and redesigned by Ross in 1914. Now a municipal treasure — the first town-owned course on the Cape after Yarmouth purchased it in 1953. Wide fairways, small Ross greens, and views of Bass River throughout. The signature 9th is a 169-yard par 3 across marshland, and the finishing 18th plays over marsh alongside the river — one of the best closing holes you'll find at a public course.
Seasonal trail updates, new course additions, exclusive tee-time deals, and tips for playing New England's finest Donald Ross designs.
