Donald Ross was born in Dornoch, Scotland.  He worked as an apprentice clubmaker to Tom Morris before coming to America in 1899.  Ross was also an exceptionally proficient golfer, as was his brother Alec who won the 1907 US Open.  Not long after arriving in America, Ross became the golf professional at Pinehurst where he designed four courses.  Ross went on to an illustrious career as a golf course designer, for which he remains well known and hghly regarded throughout the golf world today.

This iron is stamped "DJ Ross" in large block letters on the back of the head. Ross either assembled the head and shaft, installed the grip, and then sold this club or it is possible that it was one of his personal clubs, as there are no other marks on the back of the head. One thing for sure, it is one of the earliest irons that bears his name.   The grip is the original sheepskin.  The shaft is original and has a slight bow, and the head is covered with an even, dark patina.