Forest Oaks

Now here’s an oddity for North Carolina: a country club named “Forest Oaks” designed by a man named “Ellis Maples,” and not one mention of “pine” to be found! One similarity the club holds to the region, however, is wonderful terrain for golf and even the potential to host professional events. Indeed, Forest Oaks hosted the Greater Greensboro Open for 30 years, from 1977 to 2007.

Davis Love III, no stranger to the Carolinas, found one of his first architectural projects at the club during 2002, when he renovated the course with focus on enlarging the putting surfaces and adjusting the bunkering. Those familiar with his later work at the Sea Island resort will recognize the Raynorian aesthetic that Love first brought to the bunkers at Forest Oaks, rather geometric and often wrapping around significant portions of the green. That Golden Age architect’s influence can also be seen in the Redan-style par three at No. 8.

Those familiar with Maples will recognize that much of the course is a reflection of that architect’s mentor, Donald Ross, whose influence flows throughout North Carolina.