Many golf course renovations today claim to return a course to its original designer’s intent, but often the changes are subtle. However, Dunedin (FL) Golf Club stands out as a prime example of a successful restoration. Kris Spence’s 2024 renovation of Donald Ross’s 1926 masterpiece, which opened in 1927 near Tampa, has successfully brought Ross’s original design vision to the forefront.
Reopening in February 2025, the revitalized course features Ross’s signature rolling greens and bunker complexes, clearly recognizable from their original form. “We consider it a ‘restoration,’ not just a ‘renovation’,” stated Dunedin Golf Club General Manager Blair Kline. “Ross enthusiasts who have visited are thrilled with our greens complexes.”
Kline emphasized that the layout remains faithful to Ross’s original design, with no changes to the par of the holes. The primary focus was on rediscovering and restoring the original greens. The restoration also added approximately 100 yards to the course length, the maximum achievable within the available space.
A significant objective of the $6.2 million project was to honor Donald Ross’s legacy. This goal was met by utilizing Ross’s field notes and plans, sourced from the Tufts Archives in Pinehurst, N.C.
When asked about the exact adherence to Ross’s original plans, Kline candidly admitted, “No.” He explained that Ross himself modified many of his green contours later in his career, and considering modern ball technology and green speeds, Ross himself might not design the same course today. “I have a hard time telling people that we put out the ‘exact’ course because I think if Ross today saw how far the ball goes and saw the green speeds of courses, he wouldn’t design the same golf course that’s there,” Kline commented.
The par-72 course offers a varied experience with six sets of tees, playing from 4,593 yards to 6,766 yards.
“These are Donald Ross’s bunkers and his greens complexes,” Kline affirmed. “Those truly are the Ross greens complexes because of how Kris Spence did them. The difference is, Kris Spence didn’t use over a four-degree slope on any of the greens. Whereas they might have been rolling (on a Stimpmeter) five, six or seven in Donald Ross’s day, they now are normally around 10 or 10 and a half.” He added that making them any faster, especially with certain pin placements, would significantly increase the challenge.
Dunedin Golf Club, a historic landmark and one of only three Florida courses on the National Register of Historic Places, not only showcases Ross’s genius but also serves as an excellent example of a successful municipal golf course operation. The City of Dunedin has owned the club since 1938. The PGA of America even utilized the course as its national headquarters from 1945 to 1962, when it was known as “PGA National Golf Club.”
The club has a rich history, having hosted 18 Senior PGA Championships and the inaugural “trunk” show that evolved into the PGA Show in Orlando. Notable golfers like Babe Zaharias, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead have played at Dunedin Golf Club.
Kline, a seasoned PGA professional, joined the club nearly four years ago to oversee the restoration. He is currently working on establishing a “Donald Ross Room” to highlight the club’s history and heritage.
“There wasn’t much Ross left out there before the renovation,” Kline noted. “I love construction. I’ve worked on golf courses all over the country. This fits nicely into what I like.” He also pointed out that while other Ross courses are in the vicinity, Dunedin offers an accessible opportunity to play a true Donald Ross design.
The restoration ensures that visitors can experience the master’s architectural brilliance firsthand.
