THE COURSE AT HIGH FOREST

The rolling hills of middle Tennessee provide an unexpectedly dramatic canvas for this public gem, where elevation changes of 200 feet create natural amphitheaters around several greens. Designer Tom Clark carved routing through mature hardwoods that frame every hole without overwhelming the strategic elements, particularly the risk-reward par-5 12th that plunges downhill before climbing to a plateau green. What separates this track from Tennessee's overcrowded resort courses is the thoughtful use of native stone in the bunkers and the way each hole feels completely isolated in its own pocket of forest.