On September 26th, 2024, Forest Hills Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia looked as it always had — a beautiful, tree-lined Donald Ross design with classic parkland character and rolling terrain that’s been enjoyed by generations of golfers.

The next morning, everything looked different.

Hurricane Helene swept through the Augusta area overnight, leaving widespread damage across the city. At Forest Hills, the impact was severe. Thousands of trees — roughly 4,000 by early estimates — were lost in just a few hours. Fairways were blocked, bunkers were buried in debris, and access to much of the property was limited.

For Golf Course Superintendent Mike Simons, the storm brought an enormous challenge. The immediate task was to clear paths, assess damage, and make the course safe again. But beyond that, the longer mission was to guide Forest Hills back toward the look and feel that makes it such a classic example of Ross’s design work.

Professional tree-removal specialists were brought in to tackle the massive job of clearing thousands of downed and damaged trees. With that much heavy equipment on the course, it was impossible to avoid every bit of turf damage — but the crews worked with great care and coordination, doing everything possible to protect the fairways and greens while moving efficiently through the recovery process.

As weeks passed, the property steadily began to heal. Grass filled in where equipment had passed, debris piles disappeared, and golfers could once again recognize the familiar rhythm and shape of each hole.

Forest Hills will continue to evolve in the months ahead. Some holes now look a little different, with more sunlight and open corridors where dense tree lines once stood. But the essence of the course remains. The routing, the greens, and the subtle shaping that define Donald Ross’s vision are still there — and they’re in good hands.

I visited Forest Hills recently for a new photo shoot, and it’s remarkable how far the course has come. The greens and fairways, in particular, were in outstanding condition — a credit to the hard work, planning, and pride that Mike Simons and his team have invested since the storm. It’s easy to see why this historic course continues to be such a beloved part of Augusta’s golf tradition.

Superintendents are rarely in the spotlight, but in times like these, their leadership and steady determination remind us how essential they are to the game. When storms destroy, superintendents deploy — and thanks to people like Mike Simons, the beauty of Forest Hills endures.