Those dramatic putting surfaces remain the predominant characteristic of the layout. Ross found himself at loggerheads on the topic with the first greenkeeper, Oral Carnes. True to his given name, Carnes was vociferous during construction in his objection to the strong contours, but Ross prevailed.

Ross built only one dogleg, but the left-bending, 377-yard 8th is the Hill’s signature hole. The approach must clear a sizable swale to reach a green that falls more than nine feet from back to front.

Evidence of the design’s enduring authenticity can be found on the clubhouse walls. Framed reproductions of the original Ross drawings (discovered in the resort’s vault) are on display. The golf architect and engineer—the Scotsman’s self-appointed title—drew each hole on a grid and noted in the right margin specific instructions regarding tee sizes, tree trimming, bunker grades and green slopes. Coming into the clubhouse after playing 18, golfers are routinely amazed at how the layout—so many decades later—still displays an exacting adherence to these specifications.

Indianapolis billionaire William Cook recently purchased the resort and the two courses (the nondescript Valley Links Course was opened in 1907) for $25 million. In addition to the overall resort renovation mentioned above, a restoration of the Hill is planned for as early as next year—and the addition of a third course is being considered.