Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ross Randall Obituary
Ross served as an assistant golf professional at Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, NY, under the tutelage of Claude Harmon, winner of the 1948 Masters, before joining the PGA tour where he competed for eight years. In 1976, he became the head golf professional at Ames Golf and Country Club, Ames, Iowa.
In 1979, he moved to Lawrence, Kan., and was part of the University of Kansas men's golf program for three decades, including 28 years as head coach.
Ross guided seven KU teams to the NCAA Championships and 19 to NCAA Regionals. From 1981-1984 he doubled as both the women's and men's golf coach. He was named Big-Eight Coach of the Year in 1989 and 1993 and NCAA District V Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1996. His 1989 men's squad was the first Kansas team to reach the NCAA Finals in 32 years, and his 1996 team advanced to the final two rounds of the NCAA Championships, the second-best finish in Kansas history.
In 1999, he took the fifth-seeded Jayhawks into the Big 12 Conference Championship and captured the program's first league title in 49 years. For his efforts that season, he was named the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year.
Ross served as the captain of the 2000 Arnold Palmer Cup, an annual team golf competition between American and European collegiate golfers.
Ross coached five All-Americans during his tenure with the Jayhawks, including three two-time All-American selections: Chris Thompson, Ryan Vermeer and Chris Marshall. He also helped develop 27 all-conference selections, including 2007 graduate Gary Woodland, who is competing on the PGA Tour.
His players went on to win the Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship 15 times.
In 2007, Ross stepped down as men's golf coach and became KU's Director of Golf Operations until he retired in June 2009.
Ross touched more than the lives of the players on his teams. His annual Jayhawk Golf Camp, which began in 1980, introduced the game to hundreds of aspiring young golfers.
In 2014, he was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame.
Ross is survived by his wife of 44 years Linda Leininger Randall, who remains in the home. Other survivors include his sister, Paula Westbrook, and sisters-in-law Nancy Wahl, Betsy Leininger, Carrie DeLaPena, Sarah Oloughlin, Diana Garno and Amy Tripp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to University of Kansas Men's Golf.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Randall
Terry McDermott
December 25, 2020
I lost to Ross in the round of 16 in the 1967 Northern California Golf Association championship that Ross went on to win at Spyglass Hill.
Peter Tripp
September 1, 2019
Ross, we went to alameda high together and had some good times and talks together in and out of class. R.i.p
Robert Wershay
October 6, 2017
What memories of you and Ross...makes me smile,our time in Ames,you a Braniff flight Attendent,visits in your home in lawrence,opening the club 25 years ago.....under cover store...the wonderful job Ross did as KU ,golf coach..May God Bless both of you
Will Ruha
May 10, 2017
This is simply devastating news. I knew Ross in my youth, my co-worker at the Airway Fairways range, a good friend and golfing companion. He was so witty, talented, and fun a friend to know that the glow and freshness of that youthful companionship never left my heart. God bless him for his outstanding contributions to golf, its young players, and to so many privileged to meet him in this life. Please accept my deepest sympathies on his untimely passing.
How you can show support
Mike and Debbie Zabel
May 1, 2017
Linda-
Debbie and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We will long remember Ross fondly, a man with a wonderful smile and gentle soul. The two of you were such wonderful neighbors for many years and we feel blessed to know you both.
Bonnie Haney
April 30, 2017
Linda, I am so saddened to hear about Ross. My thoughts & Prayers are with you
Randy Chilton
April 28, 2017
Linda, my deepest sympathies. There is a feeling of emptiness to a world without Ross in it. Every year my friends and I looked forward to our time in Lawrence with Ross and loved seeing you. Our prayers are with you. All our love. Ross was special.
Ann and Jay Lindquist
April 28, 2017
Dear Linda,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Ross was indeed a very special person to so many. He did so much for the game of golf. I really enjoyed his golf camp and how
he could improve someones game was amazing. He had lots of patience and was always so kind. Ross did so many things. for so many people. He will be missed in this world for sure. Prayers for you Linda.
April 28, 2017
Linda..Jim and I were saddened to hear about Ross...What a great guy...He will be missed by all who knew him..Our prayers go out to you and your family..Jacque & Jim Pusateri, Naples, Fl
April 27, 2017
Linda, We were so sadden to hear of Ross's death. We of the Lofty Eight have so many fond memories of Ross and you. You were family to us just as you were to all the KU Golfers. So many stories, so many laughs. He will be deeply missed.
Terry Hopper
Marilyn & Charles Lewis
April 27, 2017
We are shocked at Ross's passing. Please accept our sympathy. We have many fond memories of you both.
Ama
April 26, 2017
We are sorry for your loss.Please be consoled there is hope for a future free from pain and suffering
Carole Ross
April 26, 2017
Dear Linda, I did not know Ross very well, but I did know that if he was married to you he must have been a very special person. Of course, I was always aware of his successes with the golf team. My thoughts are with you and believe it or not I think about you every once in a while. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 26, 2017
Linda, Mary and I send our sincere prayers and condolences to you. Ross was a great asset for KU Golf and Lawrence. Mary and Steve Jones
Kevin Gustafson
April 26, 2017
Thank you Ross for all your accomplishments for KU GOLF. Especially a thank you for the chance to be a member of your golf team. You and Linda were GREAT, and GREAT for KU.
April 26, 2017
Our condolences to Linda and the family. Ross made the world at large and the golf world, more specifically, a much better place. He will be missed.
Tom and Joan Black
Carrie and Nancy
April 26, 2017
Our beloved brother-in-law, Ross, loved his family, his pups, his players, his life. Most of all he loved his wife Linda.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Memorial Events
for Ross Randall
People and places connected with Ross
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ross's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ross Randall's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
