Plainfield architect Donald Ross' journey had humble beginnings in Boston

The journey of Donald Ross ends on a steep slope in Section J, Lot 294 of the Newton Cemetery.

Architect of nearly 400 golf courses, he was buried in this sleepy corner of suburban Boston 63 years ago, underneath a large granite headstone with his last name boldly etched onto the front. It’s butted up against an oversized bush and within the shadowy grasps of the slender oak tree on the top of the hill. The woman at the front desk of the cemetery’s administrative offices says that normally there are trinkets left behind by visitors — a hat, a golf ball, a scorecard.

On a recent sunny afternoon, there are none.

Perhaps it’s more appropriate that way. These days, the mere mention of the name “Donald Ross” is tribute enough. His courses have hosted U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, Ryder Cups and countless amateur and local events. This week — at Plainfield Country Club in Edison — the first leg of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, The Barclays, will be added to that list.

But while each one of the 125 players in the field will walk past the Donald Ross plaque on the first tee, the thought of how the journey to this site happened will barely be a blip in their minds.

Because while Ross’ legend has grown with places like Pinehurst in North Carolina, Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia and Seminole Golf Club on the shores of Juno Beach, Fla., it began in and around his final resting place.

An immigrant from Scotland, he came over to the country with his life savings in hopes of building a life in golf. Instead, he became a legend.

This is the story of how that happened.