One of the prettiest courses I’ve ever played is part of the Georgia state park system, Arrowhead Pointe at Richard Russell Lake.

The architect, Bob Walker, told me it was the best piece of land he had ever been given on which to design a golf course.

“I just couldn’t have found a better site, honestly,” he said. “They pretty much gave me free reign.”

Now, Arthur Hills is getting a chance.

To me, Hills is one of the most elegant golf architects around. He was recently picked to design a course at a development called the Sanctuary (hey, there’s an original name for a development), in Calhoun Falls, S.C.

However, Hills won’t be able to match what Walker did. Arrowhead Pointe is part of a state park. Hills is working for a developer who will put homes, marinas, pools, pavilions, fishing piers – you name it.

The developer is just trying to make money and it certainly isn’t Hills’ fault, but he will never be able to match the beauty of Arrowhead Pointe.

I don’t want to say it’s one of a kind, but it’s close. The Sanctuary course will be just another high-end, residential course by a beautiful lake, crawling with development clutter.

Not to mention the fact Arrowhead Pointe is a public course, open to all golf heathens, and with very reasonable green fees.

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