Chasing Par

Forest Hills Golf Course is a classic Donald Ross design that has delighted golfers since 1926. There’s a lot of history behind Forest Hills. Bobby Jones began his famous 1930 Grand Slam of Golf in 1930 with a win in the Southeastern Open, which was played with two rounds on the Augusta Country Club and two at Forest Hills. Several PGA Tour Professionals also played here during their college careers including Phil Michelson and Davis Love III. Home to the Augusta University’s Jaguar golf team, 2010 and 2011 NCAA Men’s National Champions, Forest Hills is located just a few miles from Augusta National Golf Club. This is the place to play if you are ever lucky enough to get some tickets to see The Masters. 

Figure 1. Booby Jones remembered in the clubhouse

The Clubhouse & Amenities at Forest Hills

Considering that Forrest Hills is a semi-private course, one of the few golf courses that will let you pass the door in Augusta, I would say the facilities serve its purpose.

Members and staff are friendly and guided us more than once when we did not know where the next tee shot was. The restaurant has a great menu at very affordable prices. I truly recommend the pork sandwich!

Regarding golf practice facilities you can warm up your swing or practice your game at the club’s driving range and work on your short game on an 8,500 square foot putting green located just beside the first tee.

About the clubhouse & amenities
Restaurant		Bar		Pro Shop		Parking		Shower Rooms
Yes		Yes		Yes		Yes		Yes

The course

Forrest Hills was designed by Donald Ross in 1926, and then in 1984, the Arnold Palmer Company redesigned several holes to accommodate the construction of the Augusta University Athletic Complex. In 2004, the course was restored to its original design and has remained that way ever since.

The course offers a good time for golfers of all ages and abilities with wide-open fairways, magnificent trees, and putting greens that roll fair and true. On the other hand, don’t forget this used to be a PGA course and from the back tees, it will challenge even the best of players. Fortunately, the five sets of tees make it playable for any level of golfer who just wants to have fun and probably play some golf during the Masters week. Water only comes into play on the two par 3 holes on the back so no need to worry a lot about it. Do bear in mind that there are several blind shots in this course so make sure that you are aiming at the right target.

About the course
Year built		Holes		Greens		Fairways		Golf season
1926		18		Bermuda		Bermuda		Year round
Driving Range		Putting Green		Golf Carts		Caddies		Club Rental
Yes		Yes		Yes		Yes		Yes
Reservations
Online

TEE	PAR	LENGTH (YARDS)	RATING	SLOPE
Jaguar	72	7140	74.3	137
Black	72	6749	72.6	129
White	72	6183	70.1	126
Silver	72	5742	68	123
Green	72	5099	65.3	115

Course conditions

Even though I played there after several days of intense rain, the conditions were great. The natural slopes work as a natural and effective draining system that helps keep fairways, roughs, and bunkers in excellent conditions. The greens have a nice speed and a very nice roll.

My golf round

Not my best but not my worst. I was very confused and tricked by some of the many blinded shots at Forest Hills Golf Course. Nevertheless, I was able to take advantage of the wide fairways and use my scrambling to save par more than once. I shoot 76 (+4), not bad considering it was my first time there, but I know I can do much better than that.

Favorite hole

My favorite hole was the 6th hole. This 487-yard-long par 5 has a completely blind tee shot with pine trees on each side of the fairway, creating a narrow passage. The second shot plays downhill into a small and well-protected green. Unfortunately, my tee shot ended in the trees and had to lay up. I did give myself a good chance to make a birdie but missed my putt.

Best shot of the day

I arrived at the 18^th hole 5 over par and needed to win the hole to tie the match. The 18-hole is a short par 4, just over 300 yards long and slightly uphill. The wind was helping so I waited for the group in front to finish to go for the green. And I did. I had to shout FORE! to them because I did not know precisely where my ball land would be. But when they started clapping, I knew that my ball was on the green. I two-putted for birdie and win the hole. Mission accomplished!

Rating

Aspect	Rating
Condition	Excellent
Value	Excellent
Friendliness	Very Good
Pace	Good
Amenities	Very Good
Overall rating	Very Good

Golfing Expenses

In the following table, I detail the expenses you might incur at Forest Hills.

Concept	Price (USD)
Green fee	30-40
Club rental	40
Fore Caddie	100-200 *
Golf Cart	20
9-hole bar	15
Lunch or Dinner	40

*25 USD per player is recommended but it is really based on the service provided.

Final tips

• If you are planning to play at Forrest Hills during the Masters Week book your tee times in advance.
• Chat with me if you need any further information

About Guido Sargiotto
Reviews	Handicap	Skill	Plays	Dexterity
1	+3	Advanced	Twice a week	Right
Favorite Club	Favorite shot	Favorite Player
Drive	¾ of a 54°	Tiger Woods

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?

Driver	TaylorMade SIM (9º) Shaft: HZRDUS BLACK X 75g
3-wood	Titleist 915 F3 (13.5° at 13º) Shaft: HZRDUS BLACK X 85g
Hybrid	TaylorMade R15 (17°) Shaft: HZRDUS BLACK X 105g
Irons	Rsi TP UDI (4), TaylorMade P770 (5-9) Shafts: HZRDUS BLACK X 105g (4), Project X 6.5 (5-9)
Wedges	Titleist SM8 (50-F, 54-G, 60-L) Shafts: Project X 7.0
Putter	Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2.5
Ball	Titleist Pro V1

Chasing Par is a resource for golfers looking to get an edge if they are just starting to learn the game or dedicated to shaving strokes off their score. We focus on gear reviews, golf tips, and local golf courses that actual players review. Sometimes we give away free golf and gear to our golfing buddies – get on the list.