Where Tradition Inspires Innovation
Golf course design that works with the landscape, supports the environment, and serves our clients’ visions.
Bay Harbor Golf Club - Petoskey, MI
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Hills • Forrest • Smith works with golf course owners and operators who share our belief that great golf course architecture stimulates the senses, displays creativity and honors the game through strategy, shot values and aesthetic character.
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Inspired by Golden Age architects such as Donald Ross, Seth Raynor and Alister MacKenzie, and shaped by Arthur Hills’ traditionalist philosophy, we design courses that reward thoughtful play, showcase natural beauty, balance challenge with playability, blend seamlessly into their surroundings and fulfill each client’s vision.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
NEW COURSES
RENOVATED COURSES
YEARS IN BUSINESS
COUNTRIES
LEADERSHIP
Arthur Hills
Founder
(1930-2021)
After more than 55 years in golf course architecture, the "Arthur Hills" name was synonymous with golf courses that are beautiful, fun to play and classical in their character and strategy. Arthur Hills’ knowledge and experience are displayed in his 200+ new course designs and nearly as many renovation master plans.
Steve Forrest
Principal
ASGCA Past President
Steve Forrest has been a golf course architect for 45+ years, working in all phases of golf course design and construction, including 120 new courses on four continents. He creates a challenging, yet playable course highlighting a site’s natural beauty. Steve has also been involved in more than 150 renovations and master plans.
Shawn Smith
Principal
ASGCA
Shawn Smith began his professional career in golf course construction before joining the Hills & Forrest team as a golf course architect. He designs golf courses that blend strategy, playability, artistry and the natural environment. That philosophy is influenced by Golden Age architects, including Donald Ross, Seth Raynor and Alister MacKenzie.
FROM OUR CLIENTS
"I can’t tell you how good this plan looks!!! I get so excited by the proposed changes I can hardly contain my excitement. It just looks fantastic. This plan will provide an entire golf course that everyone can play, be challenged by, and enjoy for decades to come. One of your gems in your cache of designs."
Page Dunlap Halpin
Former LPGA Tour Player and Vanderbilt Women’s Golf Team Head Coach
The Oaks Club
Osprey, Florida