Hills & Forrest International promotes Shawn Smith, changes name

Hills & Forrest International Golf Course Architects has announced with the promotion of the firm’s long-time principal, Shawn Smith, the company’s name is now Hills • Forrest • Smith Golf Course Architects.

Smith, a Montana native, attended Washington State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in landscape architecture and played on the golf team. Following a brief stint in golf course construction, Smith joined the Arthur Hills’ team in 1998 and became a Principal in 2010. He has been a member of the prestigious American Society of Golf Course Architects since 2009.

“Shawn’s experience as a competitive player, coupled with his passion for the unique architectural elements of the classic courses, brings a well-honed skill set to the table for our clients,” Arthur Hills said.   

Steve Forrest added, “It makes no difference whether the topic is Biarritz greens, bunker liners, budget numbers or bulldozers — Shawn knows his stuff and will share his opinion! We are thrilled to be able to recognize his many years of experience with this promotion.”

During his time with the firm, Smith has been involved in a number of new course designs, including Journey at Pechanga (Calif.), Wolfdancer (Texas) Golf Club at Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Eagle Ridge (Ky.) Golf Course at Percy Quin State Park. Smith has also successfully completed a number of major renovation projects including Oneida (Wis.) Golf & Country Club, Westmoreland (Ill.) Country Club and Oakland Hills (Mich.) Country Club-North Course, which received the ASGCA Design Excellence Award in 2014.