Historic Donald Ross Golf Clubs to Return to Dornoch Museum

A significant piece of golfing history will soon find its home at the Historylinks Museum in Dornoch, Scotland. A set of original golf clubs owned by the renowned course designer Donald Ross will be formally presented to the museum on October 21, 2023. Canadian visitor Jane MacElligott will deliver the clubs to Lynne Mahoney, the curator at Historylinks, during a special ceremony.

These clubs have been in the possession of Ross’s extended family for decades. The narrative surrounding these artifacts highlights a deep-rooted connection to local heritage and family history. Jane MacElligott is the daughter of Donnie Calder, whose mother, Jane Calder (née Ross), was the sister of Donald Ross. This familial link makes her a direct descendant of the golf icon.

Donnie Calder spent his formative years in Dornoch before relocating to Edinburgh. He later emigrated to Canada, where he settled in Vancouver. It was there that he passed down the set of Donald Ross’s original golf clubs to his daughter, Jane, who has cared for them ever since.

The connection to Dornoch was rekindled in 2023, facilitated by Brian Munro, nephew of Donnie’s younger brother, George Calder. George married Brian’s aunt and took on a fatherly role after Brian’s father passed away. An accomplished golfer himself, George’s name remains on the honours boards of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club as a Silver Medalist from the 1950s.

After George’s sudden death in 1971, and the passing of his wife in 1991, Brian inherited their home in Inverness. While preparing to move, he discovered a box in the loft filled with family keepsakes, including memorabilia linked to Donald Ross and Dornoch. In early 2023, Brian decided to donate this collection to the Historylinks Museum, ensuring these items remained in the town that played a vital role in their story.

“I was anxious that the Donald Ross items remain in Dornoch,” Brian explained. “They could be quite valuable at auction, but the idea of them disappearing into a private collection didn’t sit well with me. They belong here.”

After cataloguing the items and adding them to the museum’s website, curator Lynne Mahoney was contacted by Jane MacElligott, who was surprised to see her family name featured. Following discussions with Brian, it was agreed that some personal family memorabilia would be returned to the Calder family in Canada. However, the historically significant items, including the golf clubs, would stay in Dornoch.

Jane had initially planned to visit Scotland in 2024, but health issues delayed her trip. She has now confirmed dates for her visit from October 15 to November 4, 2023, during which she will reconnect with family in the Edinburgh area before traveling north to Dornoch.

The upcoming handover of the clubs has garnered enthusiasm from the local community, including Neil Hampton, General Manager at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. He has expressed interest in extending hospitality to Jane during her visit.

Historylinks Museum has confirmed that the clubs will be displayed, showcasing the enduring connection between Donald Ross, his family, and the town that significantly influenced one of golf’s most impactful course designers. This event not only celebrates a rich golfing heritage but also reinforces the importance of preserving local history for future generations.