Golfing Central North Carolina

The Golf Kingdom that Donald Ross Built
Part 1

by Anthony Scaggs

Descending deeper into the heavy mist, the visibility was diminishing and the temperature was dropping. At the moment, we were protected from the inclement weather by our temperature controlled, pressurized multifunctional vehicle. Eventually, we would arrive at our destination and begin our mission. Like others who had come before us, we were searching for the elusive magic, the golf magic that created the perfect swing, the perfect score. We were traveling to Golf's Mid-Atlantic Kingdom.

The Kingdom built by Donald the Son of Ross.

The computerized vehicle started to tilt. Alarms were ringing and lights flashed. I heard the automated voice say: "Fasten your seatbelt; place your seat and tray in their upright position in preparation for arrival at the Raleigh Durham International Airport". I was awakened as the plane broke through the cloud cover. Looking out the plane's window, I realized from where the dream's image of heavy mist had come. As I watched the verdant trees and green grass pass below, my slumbering mind selected a cooking phrase, "One cannot make an omelet without breaking an egg". In other words, "one cannot have lush green fairways and immaculate greens without a little rain". I was prepared. I had my rain gear and I was excited about being in one of golf's great destinations. The Golf Kingdom that Donald the Son of Ross built.

Donald Ross is renowned as one of America's great golf course architects. In the United States, one can find 401 challenging golf courses designed by this creative Scotsman. It is not surprising that 43 of those are located in his home state of North Carolina. He started in a place called the Village of Pinehurst. Pinehurst one of the crown jewels in every golfers cap. The waiting was over. My luggage and golf clubs were circling the luggage carousel. I had arrived in

Golf's Mid-Atlantic Kingdom.

It was too late to tee off but not too late for the 19th Hole. Sitting in the hotel's lounge and sipping a libation, I perused my dining choices. Voted one of Raleigh, NC's best restaurants since 1989, it was decided, the Angus Barn.

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