Highlands Falls CC, deep in the rugged mountains of western North Carolina, is like a fairy tale golf course.  It's almost too beautiful to be real, the layout is gentle and inviting and the inhabitants of this enchanted rain forest are far too pleasant for country club members.

The air is special here, at just over 4,000 feet, and standing amidst the firs, spruces and rhododendrons, it's hard to tell what is natural and what is intensively manicured.  Noisy mountain streams, towering hemlocks and low-flying clouds add to the special feel of Highlands Falls.  Like many clubs with that special magic, Highlands Falls has somehow hit on just the right formula:  Perfect location, great architecture, intuitive management . . . and a golf course superintendent with more than his share of talent.

Fred Gehrisch is what I call an Idea Man.  Not content to do just what is necessary, the Idea Man is constantly scanning his area, looking for that bright flash of light idea capable of making a real difference.  Not long ago, Fred thought of a way to enhance the family aspect of the club and croquet made a very successful debut at HFCC.

Stepping further outside the GCS parameters, Fred had an idea to celebrate the club's history by calling attention to the club's lineage with a room dedicated to Joe Lee, the course architect.  A special date was selected, a monument commissioned and the celebration was on.

Here are a few highlights from our visit to Highlands Falls: