By Stephen Smoot
“They say that they could go anywhere to play, but they play here.”
So says Jerry Landis, manager of the Highlands Golf Club at Fisher Mountain.
Last month, the nation found out about a hidden gem tucked away out Troublesome Valley Road, just outside of Franklin. NBC Sports Next’s Golf Pass reported that the scenic course placed second on the ninth edition of the Golfer’s Choice rankings.
The second-place finish came from Golfers’ Choice’s examination of player ratings over the past year.
That recognition comes after almost 20 years of work to develop a first-class golf facility in Pendleton County. As Jerry Landis, who manages the facility, explains, “The original idea came from Robert Locklin. It was his idea. He purchased the land, got money and grants from the state and a couple of other places.”
Landis also credits Bill Ward, “who built the place.” The club opened in 2006, but struggled initially and went into bankruptcy in two years. A Texas company purchased the club and held it until 2016. Then Waterfront Group bought it.
Rankings of the courses were “mostly from player reviews,” Landis said. He added that “we were rated 4.99. We don’t have a lot of amenities, but we’re working on that.” Immediate plans include “giving it a facelift in here, painting, and putting in a new floor.” Landis’s office will be included in newly expanded clubhouse space.
National golfers through the rankings learn what a number of local enthusiasts have known for years. Charles Burgoyne, head coach of the Pendleton County Middle/High School varsity golf team, says “it’s the scenery that makes it special. The greens are different than anywhere else and are well-manicured.”
Burgoyne adds that “the high school kids that come here like it compared to other places that they play,” and also “I’ve played every course around and this is as good as you’ll find.”
Overall, players appreciate that “the pace of play is laid back. They don’t feel as rushed here.” Players particularly like the 10th hole, Landis said, explaining that “it’s kind of unique. It has island greens and a par four.”
Additionally, “the course is in good shape. They love the scenic view. Wives will bring a book and either ride in the cart or sit on the porch while their husbands play.”
The scenery and the well-kept course, as Landis describes, “sells itself.” Golfers who come in from Washington, D.C. and other urban areas appreciate that “everything’s so green and so pretty and they can’t imagine this where they live.”
Laura Brown, director of the Pendleton County Economic and Community Development Authority, also praised the “beautiful golf course,” saying “One of the things that makes it so appealing to guests is the serene mountain setting at every hole.”
Ownership is far from done in implementing its vision. Landis says that “the new company wants to really ramp up everything, hosting events, weddings, a lot more things like that, bringing everything they can to the property. They want to totally capitalize on tourism, but have not brought it to its full potential yet.”
Brown agreed, saying “With the new ownership in place, I think the Waterfront Group will have some big plans for Fisher Mountain that will welcome even more visitors to our county.”
Efforts to improve the facility dovetail with county plans to rely on tourism to promote economic development. Landis says the course is “the biggest asset in the county.”
Also important from the ranking is the sense of pride it engenders. Landis says that “we don’t get ranked often in anything. It’s pretty nice.”
Said Jason Scott Deegan, managing editor of NBC Sports Golf Pass, “What I love about this year’s Golfers’ Choice Top 50 is the variety of courses represented. The difference in price point, architecture and setting is profound from the number one course — Mauna Lani South, a high-end resort course in Hawaii — all the way to number 50 — the Gladstone Golf Club, a sort of hidden gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. No other publication offers such a unique mix in their course lists. It just showcases the wide range of courses our golfers play and appreciate for what they offer during a round of golf.”
The impact of the course goes beyond a great game of golf in a stunning setting. Landis shared that “this morning I got a call from a guy in New York. He says he’s going to come down in April. It brings tourists here. People come from Okinawa in Japan to play here.”
