Born and raised in Auchengray, Scotland on his family dairy farm where he spent most of his youth looking after the cattle and caring for the crops lead Russ to attend a very well known Agricultural College where he graduated in 1979. In 1982, in search of a fresh start, Russ immigrated to Canada. During his first three years in Canada, Russ travelled across the country working on farms in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and finally settled, in Oshawa, Ontario. Looking for something different, a family friend brought Russ to The Royal Ashburn Golf Club. During his first year at the club, Russ spent his time mowing grass and changing pins, but it was evident even then, that Russ was destined for greater things. After only three years, Russ became the Superintendent of The Royal Ashburn, under the tutelage of none other than the owner himself, Wilson Paterson. That same year, Russ received a diploma from the University of Guelph in Turf Management.

Russ has been working at The Royal Ashburn Golf Club for the past 18 years and has learned a great deal about the intricacies of the golf course. Russ is a very dedicated to his work and works closely with the Paterson family in developing a premier world-class golf facility.

Currently, Russ resides in Sunderland, Ontario and has a great interest in martial arts, which he has studied for the past 15 years. Through his daughter Ceilidh, he has taken a fondness to horse riding, and with his son Robert, like most Canadians, he has a great love of hockey.