Six million years ago the ocean shore stretched from Columbus through to Augusta, Georgia, and as the seas receded, a sandy deposit stretching 200 miles was left behind. Undulating, well drained and host to a marvellous array of long leaf Pines, native plants and grasses. Perfect for golf. Walking the site for the first time in July of 2021 it reminded us of a cross between the Melbourne sandbelt, London heathland and maybe even a touch of Pine Valley thrown in.
Introducing the Fall Line. Our first new course in the US.
The original vision for the site was an 18-hole design with the potential to add a short course and some practice facilities, but with almost 1500 acres to play with, the client felt that it was worth exploring what more golf might look like. So, 18 became 27, which turned into 36, plus a 10-hole short course and practice areas.
When the decision was made to turn 18 into 36 there were a few different directions we could head in. One was to build 36 holes in a similar style like other well-known such as Winged Foot, Sunningdale or Royal Melbourne. This may then lend itself to a composite course for variety or to create a tournament length course. The second was to make the courses different, and with a property that weaved through a number of different landscapes we felt there was a way we could create multiple styles.
The first course completed (the East) drew inspiration from the heathland courses around London. Designed by some of golden age architecture such as Harry Colt and Herbert Fowler, their best work included Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Walton Heath and The Berkshire. By modern standards the courses are modest in length but their wonderful green complexes and hazards which include a combination of bunkers, heather, ridges and hollows ensure they still remain a challenge. The East course tips out at 6600 yards with 6 par 3’s and a par of 70.
By contrast the West course takes its inspiration from the Australian Sandbelt courses. This small group of around a dozen courses were heavily influenced by Alister Mackenzie following his brief tour of the Country in 1926, plus of course the work of his associate Alex Russell and the brilliant construction of Mick and his son Vernon Morcom – arguably the two unsung heroes of Australian architecture. The combination of simple yet brilliant strategies, firm fast playing surfaces and the unique flashed sand bunker style has made these courses a must see for any golfer who visits our shores. Those familiar with the sandbelt will see elements of Royal Melbourne, Victoria, Peninsula Kingswood and Kingston Heath on the West, including where we have extended the putting surfaces right to the edge of the surrounding bunkers. Something which has not been done in the US before.
The last course constructed is our short course. Taking on the aesthetic of an abandoned quarry, we moved close to 400, 000 cubic yards of dirt and routed 10 holes across and around the severe drop offs into the quarry basin and between the piles of spoil generated through the process. Designed to entertain golfers of all abilities, the holes are dramatic and sporty in length, plus the course can be played in a variety of different directions with plenty of alternate holes available on the second go around.
Construction commenced in January 2022 with the routing and clearing of vegetation to open up shot lines. This process took roughly 6 months with shaping then commencing in July 2022. The East was open for limited member play in October 2023 whilst the West and Short courses were open in October 2024.
Project
The Fall Line
Location
Georgia, USA
Details
New 18 hole golf course
