By Joe Passov

Ahead of the 2024 edition of the PGA Tour finale, Andrew Green revamped and restored many of East Lake Golf Club’s Donald Ross characteristics. Yet, East Lake was not a Donald Ross original design, but a Ross redesign of another architect’s work.

Although Ross is most renowned for his original creations, such as Seminole, Oak Hill (East), Oakland Hills (South), and Pinehurst (No. 2), he was also prolific in renovating existing courses. In some cases, he remodeled, in others he added bunkers, individual holes, or even entirely new nines.

Of the top 10 Donald Ross golf course redesigns cited by Links Magazine, three are notable Andrew Green redesigns, with another Andrew Green redesign in progress.

East Lake Golf Club—Atlanta, Ga.
Tom Bendelow crafted Bobby Jones’s home course in 1908 and even though it was scuttled in 1913 when Jones was 11, Jones remembered it well: “It was sort of a strange layout as golf courses go, because it only had two par-three holes, the first and the third. The rest were short par fours and fives.” Donald Ross completely redesigned the course from 1913–15, George Cobb “modernized” it in 1959–60, and Rees Jones renovated it in 1994. Andrew Green restored the Ross to East Lake in 2023–24. One holdover on today’s Tour Championship course is the ancient peninsula green at the current par-three 15th—it served the par-five 16th on the Bendelow course. After discovering an aerial from 1949, Green was able to re-create many of the Ross greens, including shapes and contours, as well as much of the bunkering.

Inverness Club—Toledo, Ohio
Originally, Inverness was a 9-hole course of 3,098 yards designed in 1903 by successful English professional Bernard Nichols (more often spelled Nicholls) who on five occasions placed in the U.S. Open top 10 between 1897 and 1907. Nichols had defeated Donald Ross in a match at Pinehurst in 1902, earning $500 in the process. Ross got his revenge, however. In 1916, Inverness summoned him to completely revamp what had become an 18-hole layout, utilizing some newly acquired land to the south. In time, Inverness would host four U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and the 2021 Solheim Cup. It will host the U.S. Women’s Open in early June 2027 and will again be the venue for the men’s U.S. Open in 2045. An Andrew Green restoration in 2016–18—with additional tweaks in 2024—has transformed Inverness into the course that Ross would easily recognize.

Interlachen Country Club—Edina, Minn.
Initially a William Watson design from 1911, Interlachen was completely redesigned in 1919 by Donald Ross. It achieved early renown as the venue for the 1930 U.S. Open, won by Bobby Jones in his Grand Slam year, when Gene Sarazen declared that among championship layouts, only Oakmont was tougher. Interlachen’s small ridges, cunningly placed bunkers, and vexing greens provided sufficient challenge at the 1993 Walker Cup, 2002 Solheim Cup, and at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open, but some of the teeth and design flourishes had vanished over time. Enter restoration specialist Andrew Green. At the conclusion of Green’s work in 2024, Interlachen looked as if Ross had done it himself. Green yanked out trees, widened landing areas, restored bunker complexes, and expanded greens to their original dimensions. Green also created or re-positioned a half-dozen greens, all in vintage Ross style. Interlachen’s restored Ross features will be on display when it hosts the 2030 U.S. Women’s Open.

Skokie Country Club—Glencoe, Ill.
Pioneer architect Tom Bendelow crafted the first version of Skokie in 1905, but that layout yielded to a much better routed track by Donald Ross in 1915. That’s the course where 20-year-old Gene Sarazen took the 1922 U.S. Open title on the strength of a final-round 68 for a 288 total, that included a two-putt birdie at 18, for a one-shot victory over Bobby Jones and John Black. Remarkably, the club elected to extensively remodel its Donald Ross U.S. Open course in the 1930s. William Langford of Langford & Moreau did the redesign and kept just six of the Ross holes. Most memorable is the 228-yard par-three 12th, which demands a carry over water to green perched eight feet above the water. There is a bailout short-left, but a miss short or short-right faces a vexing, steeply uphill shot from dense rough.

Charlotte Country Club—Charlotte, N.C.
Donald Ross didn’t design this venerable venue from scratch; rather, his work was a 9-hole addition in 1915, a redesign in 1925 when he converted the sand putting surfaces to grass, and a further renovation in 1942. Fred Laxton, a three-time Carolina Amateur champ, sculpted the first nine in 1910. Charlotte has played host to four USGA National Championships, including the 1972 U.S. Amateur, then held at stroke play, and won by Vinny Giles over Ben Crenshaw and Mark Hayes. It also hosted the 2000 Senior Amateur, the 2010 Women’s Amateur when Danielle Kang memorably bested Jessica Korda 2 and 1, and the 2018 U.S. Mid-Amateur. A restoration and renovation project from Andrew Green is in progress.

Seaview (Bay Course)—Galloway, N.J.
Donald Ross remodeled this Hugh Wilson (of Merion fame) design in 1914–15 that edges marshy Reeds Bay and delivers splendid vistas of the Atlantic City skyline. While some sources credit Wilson for the design and Ross for merely adding the bunkers, the consensus gives more due to Ross overall, including how the final set of greens turned out, which were larger, with more mounding, than what remains today. Parts of the Bay paired with its Pines sibling to host the 1942 PGA Championship, won by Sam Snead, and while only 6,366 yards, par 71 from the tips, the Bay is strong enough to test the best at the LPGA Tour’s annual ShopRite LPGA Classic, where winners include Juli Inkster, Annika Sorenstam, and Lexi Thompson.

Union League Golf Club at Torresdale—Philadelphia, Pa.
In February 2022, Andrew Green signed on to restore the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in Philadelphia, a club with a convoluted history. Formed in 1921 by the merger of two 9-hole courses, Torresdale Country Club and Frankford Country Club, the course was redesigned by Donald Ross in 1921. Thereafter, it was known as Torresdale-Frankford Country Club, until its purchase and renaming by the Union League of Philadelphia in 2014. Located a mere 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia, it’s hemmed in by city boundaries, but packs a ton of golf into its 6,609-yard, par-70 layout, including the triple trouble of holes 6, 7, and 8. The 8th is the hardest and best of all, calling for a straight drive of no more than 329 yards to the end of the fairway, followed by a long approach over a slender water hazard that cuts across the fairway 30 yards short of the green.

Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa (Old Course)—Bedford, Pa.
Tucked away in bucolic Bedford, a 90-minute straight shot east of Pittsburgh, Bedford Springs reopened in 2007 after a two-year effort led by restoration specialist Ron Forse. The course incorporates the design stylings of Spencer Oldham, who crafted the resort’s original 18 in 1895; A.W. Tillinghast, who renovated the course in 1912, cutting it back to nine holes; and Donald Ross, who added back nine holes and retooled the existing nine in 1923. Its hilly opening and closing stretches pair with Shober’s Run, a Gold Medal trout stream visible or in play on 12 holes, to render this 6,785-yard, par-72 track sufficiently testing for the modern game. But with 11 restored Ross routings, four from Tillinghast, and three from Oldham, at a resort that dates to 1796, purists just might be tempted to haul out the hickories.

Augusta Country Club—Augusta, Ga.
While Augusta’s oldest club dates to 1899, the design of its present golf course is attributable to its head progressional at the time, Scotsman David Ogilvie, who delivered the layout in 1909. Donald Ross was very busy in Georgia from 1925 to 1928, and Augusta Country Club enlisted him to revamp their layout in 1926–27. Understandably overshadowed by its Masters-hosting neighbor, Augusta National, Augusta C.C. makes several top 100 lists on its own, thanks to similar elevation change and a risk/reward par five, the 8th, that tangles with Rae’s Creek.

Omni Homestead Resort & Spa (Old Course)—Hot Springs, Va.
Golf at The Homestead goes back to the 1890s, and the venerable resort has long asserted that the first hole on its Old course employs the oldest first tee in continuous use in America, dating to 1892. By most accounts, the earliest course was six holes and was expanded to a full 18 by Donald Ross in 1912. William Flynn revised the Old in 1923, around the time he created the resort’s new Cascades course, and Rees Jones did additional renovation in the 1990s. At 6,099 yards, par 72, the Old is short on length but long on character, replete with hills amid the backdrop of the densely forested Allegheny Mountains. Most memorable is the 171-yard par-three 18th which boasts a handsome view of the Omni Homestead’s famous Kentucky redbrick clock tower rising through the trees.

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Previously, Hallett served as Director of Instruction at Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee. A Nashville-area resident for the past 18 years, he has become one of the region’s most respected golf instructors. Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Learning and Performance for the PGA of America and as General Manager, Director and Lead Instructor at the PGA Center for Learning & Performance in Port St. Lucie, Florida. A longtime member of the PGA of America’s Education Faculty, Hallett has spent decades advancing golf education through his involvement with numerous PGA committees, including the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, where he has served as emcee for the past three events. Throughout his career, he has mentored hundreds of PGA Professionals while coaching golfers ranging from beginners to the world’s top touring professionals. His contributions to the profession earned him the PGA Professional Development Award (formerly the Horton Smith Award) in 2018 and PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year honors in 2024.

“Joe’s reputation as one of golf’s premier instructors, combined with his leadership, passion for teaching, and ability to connect with golfers of all skill levels, makes him an outstanding addition to Firefly,” said Mark Enderle, Partner, Storied Development. “He will play a pivotal role in shaping the golf experience and culture that will define our community,” said Enderle.

Widely recognized as one of golf’s premier instructors, Hallett is a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructor, Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor and Golf Range Magazine Top 50 Instructor. His instruction and commentary have been featured on NBC, CBS, TBS, GOLF Channel and SiriusXM Radio, as well as in national publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The New York Times. Hallett has coached numerous LPGA Tour players, including former World No. 1 Stacy Lewis, major champions Maja Stark, Lexi Thompson and Inbee Park, Hall of Famer Juli Inkster, and many other accomplished professionals. His students have gone on to earn Rolex Player of the Year honors, major championships, Vare Trophies, Solheim Cup captaincies and appearances, and numerous career-best performances.

“The addition of Joe to our team will further elevate the member experience both on and off the course,” said Todd Huizinga, General Manager, Firefly. “His depth of experience, combined with his passion for making the game enjoyable and accessible for players of all levels makes him an exceptional instructor, and we know he will be a tremendous asset to our members.”

“Mark Enderle and Todd Huizinga have provided an incredible opportunity for me to share the experience and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career in golf,” said Hallett. “I’m excited to bring that experience to a great team and community, help players enjoy the game more, and create memorable experiences on the course.”

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For Firefly, that story is especially meaningful.

After years spent restoring some of America’s most celebrated golf venues, Green is now helping shape the identity of an entirely new private club community in Spring Hill, Tennessee—one that is redefining luxury golf living just south of Nashville.

From Preserving History to Creating It

Green’s reputation has been built through the thoughtful restoration of some of the game’s most revered properties, including Oak Hill Country Club, East Lake Golf Club, Congressional Country Club, Inverness Club and Interlachen Country Club.

As Elliott notes in Athlon Sports, restoration requires a unique combination of research, restraint and respect for the original architect’s vision. Green has become widely respected for his ability to modernize championship venues while preserving their architectural character and strategic integrity.

But Firefly presents a different challenge.

Rather than uncovering someone else’s intent, Green is creating his own from the ground up.

Firefly’s Golf Experience at the Heart of the Community

Located on approximately 700 acres in Spring Hill, Firefly is being developed by Storied Development in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital. The private club community is designed around a comprehensive lifestyle vision that combines championship golf, wellness, recreation, dining and family-focused amenities.

At the center of that vision is Green’s golf architecture.

The community’s 18-hole championship course and 9-hole short course are scheduled to open in fall 2026, creating a golf experience that must serve multiple audiences while remaining true to the principles of great design.

The challenge is substantial.

The golf must appeal to accomplished players who appreciate strategic architecture while remaining accessible to families, juniors, newcomers and members seeking a more relaxed round. Whether it’s a competitive round on the championship course, a quick loop on the short course, an evening walk, or a family golf outing, the experience must feel cohesive and inviting.

Green’s background makes him uniquely qualified for the assignment.

His restoration work has consistently emphasized width, strategic options, natural landforms, walkability and thoughtful shot values—qualities that resonate with modern golfers while remaining rooted in timeless design principles.

At Firefly, those lessons can be applied without the constraints of an existing historical blueprint.

A Defining Moment for Modern Private Golf

One of the most compelling observations from Elliott’s Athlon Sports article is the contrast between Firefly and Kawonu.

While Kawonu represents the emerging trend of highly exclusive, golf-only destinations, Firefly reflects another powerful movement in private club development: the luxury lifestyle community anchored by exceptional golf.

The distinction matters.

Firefly is not simply building a golf course. It is creating a community where golf serves as the foundation for a broader lifestyle experience. Alongside Green’s courses, members will enjoy a clubhouse, wellness facilities, family-focused amenities, dining venues, racquet sports, indoor pickleball, pools, golf simulators, bowling and miles of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The golf course becomes more than an amenity—it becomes the community’s defining element.

What Golfers Should Watch

As Firefly moves toward its 2026 opening, golfers and architecture enthusiasts will have an opportunity to see how Green’s philosophy translates into original design.

The real story is not simply that these are among Green’s first major original projects.

It’s that they represent the culmination of decades spent studying some of golf’s greatest courses and learning firsthand what makes them endure.

Great golf architecture is rarely about spectacle alone. It is about creating memorable decisions, rewarding creativity, embracing the natural land and encouraging golfers to return again and again.

Those principles have guided Green’s restoration work for years.

Now, at Firefly, they have the opportunity to define something entirely new.

As Elliott observed, Firefly and Kawonu may ultimately help shape the next generation of private golf. For Firefly, that means demonstrating how a world-class golf experience can serve as the soul of a luxury community—bringing together architecture, recreation and family life in a way that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.

For Andrew Green, it marks a new chapter.

For Firefly, it marks the beginning of a remarkable one.

Source reference: Brendon Elliott, “Andrew Green’s Next Chapter Arrives With Two Very Different New Golf Courses,” Athlon Sports.

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Every great golf community reaches a point when the vision on paper begins to feel real.

For Firefly, that moment is now.

The 700-acre private golf community in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is moving beyond renderings and development plans into its next phase of growth. With strong homesite sales, key leadership hires, construction of major amenities underway, and Andrew Green’s highly anticipated golf courses progressing toward a fall 2026 opening, Firefly is transitioning from concept to community.

For golf enthusiasts, the story began with Green’s first original golf course design. Today, the story is becoming much bigger.

Firefly Is Becoming More Tangible

Located approximately 30 minutes south of Nashville and 15 minutes from Franklin, Firefly occupies a prime position within one of the fastest-growing luxury residential markets in the Southeast.

Middle Tennessee has become a destination for families, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, and second-home buyers seeking a lifestyle that balances privacy, recreation, and proximity to a thriving metropolitan area. Firefly was designed to meet that demand through a private, gated community centered on golf, outdoor living, wellness, and family experiences.

The market’s response has been impressive.

Firefly sold more than 80 homesites during its initial 45-day release period. Momentum has continued, with 48 homesites sold in May alone, generating $47 million in sales. To date, the community has recorded 126 homesite sales totaling more than $112 million.

While sales figures alone do not define the success of a club community, they demonstrate a strong belief in Firefly’s vision.

The next challenge is execution.

The initial spotlight focused heavily on Andrew Green and his transition from acclaimed restoration architect to original-course designer. As construction advances, however, Firefly is becoming more than a golf architecture story. It is becoming a fully realized private club community preparing to welcome its first members.

Golf Still Drives the Entire Vision

Although Firefly’s amenity offerings are extensive, golf remains the foundation of the community.

The property will feature an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole short course, both designed by Green. Together, they create a golf experience that serves multiple generations and playing styles.

The championship course will be the architectural centerpiece, designed to challenge skilled players through strategy, thoughtful shot values, and long-term replayability. It is expected to reflect many of the design principles Green has championed throughout his restoration work—width, angles, natural movement, and strategic decision-making.

The short course brings a different dimension to the member experience.

Far more than a supplemental amenity, short courses have become some of the most popular gathering spaces in modern private clubs. They create opportunities for family play, junior golf, casual competitions, short-game practice, and relaxed evening rounds.

At Firefly, the combination of championship golf and a highly accessible short-course experience creates what may become one of the community’s defining strengths.

Rather than offering a single golf experience, Firefly is building a complete golf ecosystem.

The Amenity Village Begins to Take Shape

Beyond the golf courses, Firefly is preparing to begin construction on several of its central community facilities.

The Fieldhouse, Outpost, and Golf Shop—designed by the renowned architecture firm Swaback—will be the first visible elements of a broader amenity village planned for the community.

The concept reflects a growing trend among leading private club developments. Today’s members want more than a traditional clubhouse. They seek multiple gathering spaces that support different lifestyles and activities throughout the day.

Firefly’s planned amenities include:

• Clubhouse and dining venues
• Fitness and wellness center
• Family club
• Adult and family pools
• Bowling alley
• Golf simulators
• Racquet club with tennis and padel courts
• Indoor pickleball facilities
• Walking and recreation trails

Current homesites range from approximately $700,000 to more than $2 million, with home construction expected to begin in 2027. Once complete, Firefly is projected to include roughly 400 residences.

The golf course may establish the community’s identity, but the surrounding amenities will ultimately determine how members experience Firefly every day.

New Golf Leadership Signals Long-Term Intent

As opening day approaches, Firefly has also begun assembling the leadership team that will help define the club’s culture.

Aaron Levinson has joined Firefly as Director of Golf, bringing experience from Congressional Country Club, where he served as PGA Head Golf Professional. Ashley Hylton has been named Head Golf Professional after previously holding the same position at Spring Island Club in South Carolina.

These appointments represent more than operational staffing.

At a new private club, the founding golf professionals help establish traditions, member expectations, instructional programs, family engagement initiatives, and the overall personality of the golf operation.

Great architecture and beautiful facilities create the stage.

Leadership creates the experience.

By investing in accomplished golf professionals early, Firefly is demonstrating a commitment to building a strong club culture from day one.

From Architectural Promise to Member Experience

When Firefly first entered the national golf conversation, Andrew Green’s first original design was the headline.

That remains a significant part of the story.

But today, the project is entering a new phase.

The challenge is no longer simply designing and constructing golf courses. The challenge is translating vision into daily life. Firefly must transform architectural ambition into memorable member experiences, convert strong sales momentum into a thriving community, and create a place that feels authentic as soon as families begin living, gathering, and playing there.

That is a much larger test.

As the fall 2026 opening approaches, the conversation will naturally evolve.

Golfers will ask whether the championship course delivers strategic depth and replayability. Families will discover whether the short course becomes a true social hub. Members will evaluate how seamlessly the amenities complement the golf experience and whether the community achieves the balance between luxury and authenticity.

Those answers are getting closer.

A Significant Addition to Middle Tennessee Golf

Middle Tennessee already offers an impressive collection of golf experiences.

Firefly enters the market with a different proposition.

The combination of Andrew Green’s first original design, a 700-acre master-planned community, strong early sales performance, substantial development backing, and a family-centered lifestyle vision places Firefly among the most closely watched private club openings in the Southeast and positions it for the potential to become one of the region’s defining private club communities.

For Andrew Green, it represents a milestone in an already distinguished career.

For the Nashville-area golf market, it introduces an ambitious new destination.

And for future members, it offers something much simpler: a place built around golf, family, community, and time well spent.

The vision has generated attention.

The next chapter is about bringing that vision to life.

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Most notably, we’ve officially broken ground on Outpost, Fieldhouse, and the Golf Shop, each thoughtfully designed to elevate both the everyday and the exceptional.

As Firefly begins it’s first full year of operation in 2027, the Fieldhouse – located on the east edge of the driving range – will serve as a central hub for connection and activity, offering casual dining, a state-of-the-art teaching facility, and comfortable gathering spaces designed for members to relax, connect, and enjoy time together. Whether refining your game or unwinding with family and friends, the Fieldhouse will be a cornerstone of the Firefly lifestyle.

Out on the course, the Outpost – located between holes 3, 4 and 12 – redefines what it means to relax and refuel during a round. This course-side comfort station blends convenience with elevated hospitality, offering a curated selection of fresh snacks and sandwiches, as well as more indulgent options such as hot breakfast favorites, gourmet burgers, and seasonal specialties. It’s a seamless extension of the golfing experience—thoughtful, inviting, and distinctly Firefly.

Complementing these initial amenities, the new Golf Shop will be a refined retail and service destination, thoughtfully appointed with premium apparel, equipment, and personalized service to meet the needs of every golfer. It will also feature a coffee shop for a boost of energy or a quick snack before or after your round.

All three amenities are slated for completion in Spring 2027. The Golf Shop and Fieldhouse are the first two pieces of Firefly Village, which will also include the Clubhouse, Locker Rooms, Fitness Center, and Cart Barn, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the club and community.

In addition to these exciting amenity developments, Firefly is also proud to welcome two exceptional leaders to the team. Ashley Hylton joins as Head Golf Professional, and Aaron Levinson as Director of Golf—both bringing deep expertise and a shared commitment to delivering an unparalleled golf experience. Their leadership will be instrumental as we look ahead to the highly anticipated course opening later this year.

With each passing day, Firefly is becoming more than a vision; it’s becoming a destination defined by thoughtful design, world-class golf, and a lifestyle centered on connection, comfort, and discovery.

And this is just the beginning.

More About Ashley Hylton

More About Aaron Levinson

View Latest Progress Gallery

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“Firefly will be defined by its culture and elevated member environment, and with his experience at top leading clubs, Aaron will bring hands‑on leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence that members will see every day,” said Todd Huizinga, General Manager, Firefly

Meet Head Golf Professional

The post Director of Golf appeared first on Firefly.

 In her role, Ashley will work closely with Director of Golf Aaron Levinson to oversee all daily golf operations, including team leadership, strategic planning, event programming, and ensuring an exceptional member experience. 

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Ashley served as an Assistant Professional at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville, North Carolina, a Senior Assistant at Berkely Hall in Bluffton, South Carolina and most recently, the Head Golf Professional at Spring Island Club in Okatie, South Carolina. 

“I am a firm believer that we are not just in the “Golf Business,” but rather in the business of making memories. Golf is simply the vessel we use to provide an unbelievable escape to members and their guests. I deliver this through inspiring an energetic team devoted to loving exceeding expectations, member programming that continuously evolves and adapts, and getting the little details right every time.” Ashley Hylton 

Meet Director of Golf

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Every move of August Rocco’s career positioned him for the opportunity to lead the first golf maintenance team at coming Tennessee attraction Firefly.

August Rocco describes Firefly, a new private residential golf development 35 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee, as “incredibly intentional.” His route to becoming the director of golf course maintenance of an anticipated course can be described the same way.

Firefly’s first 18 holes open later this year. The project represents the first new course designed by architect Andrew Green, whose portfolio includes restorations of Inverness Club, Oak Hill East, Scioto, Interlachen and numerous other revered courses.

Firefly melds Golden Age golf design principles with modern high-end residential concepts. The course is being constructed before any houses are completed.

“The golf course is Phase Zero for this entire thing,” Rocco says.

Firefly will eventually support more than 400 homes on its 700 acres. Homesites will occupy peripheral golf course plots. Firefly’s master plan also includes a 9-hole, Green-designed short course.

A greater Nashville native, Rocco’s career path demonstrates the movement and purpose required to land one of the industry’s most desirable jobs.

Rocco started his career as a golf maintenance troubadour. His pre-Firefly stops included influential Northeast private clubs Quaker Ridge, Bayonne and Sebonack, and metro Atlanta pillars Peachtree and Dunwoody. He met his wife in Atlanta and learned warm-season turfgrass maintenance under respected mentors Spencer Oliver and William Shirley.

Before turning 30, Rocco landed his first head superintendent job at Country Club of Columbus, a Donald Ross design near the Georgia-Alabama border.

Realizing his résumé lacked a large-scale construction and grow-in effort, he left after three years to become East Course superintendent at Fall Line, a new limited-membership club between Columbus and Augusta.

“It was a big leap of faith,” Rocco says.

A consultant connected Rocco to Firefly, a new residential course in Spring Hill, Tennessee. When Firefly officials were ready to hire a director of golf course maintenance, Rocco brought private club experience across multiple eras, warm-season turf expertise, industry connections and new construction experience.

“It was a dream come true to come back to this area,” Rocco says.

Rocco started at Firefly on January 27, 2025. At the time, initial clearing was complete, center lines were being marked, irrigation lake blasting had begun and grassing was months away.

He quickly learned that building in Tennessee differs from Georgia. Firefly sits on rocky, heavy clay soils, unlike the sandy terrain at Fall Line. Weather added challenges, including heavy rains and historic freezes.

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Acclaimed Architect Breaks New Ground with Debut Original Course Outside Music City.

After decades of masterfully restoring some of America’s most storied golf courses, Andrew Green is finally getting his chance to create something entirely from scratch. The renowned golf course architect, whose restoration work has earned him Golf Digest’s 2024 Best U.S. Remodel Award and transformed venues like East Lake Golf Club for the Tour Championship, is putting the finishing touches on Firefly — a luxury golf and residential community just 30 miles south of Nashville that will open for play in summer 2026.

For Green, whose resume reads like a who’s who of championship venues — Oak Hill Country Club, Congressional Country Club, Inverness Club and Interlachen Country Club — Firefly represents both a career milestone and a creative liberation that has been years in the making.

From Restoration Master to Original Visionary

“Having a raw piece of land is a tremendous privilege,” Green reflects on his first original design. “Early in my career, there were very limited opportunities to create a golf course from scratch. I had to hone my skills by renovating and protecting golf courses that were already well established. While there were times it was frustrating, it prepared me for moments like this.”

That preparation has been extensive and impressive. Green’s restoration of East Lake Golf Club, unveiled at the 2024 Tour Championship, has been widely praised for restoring the course’s historic Donald Ross character while enhancing playability for the world’s best golfers. His work at Interlachen Country Club earned him Golf Digest’s coveted Best U.S. Remodel Award, while his transformations of Oak Hill for the 2023 PGA Championship and Inverness for the 2021 Solheim Cup have set new standards for championship venue preparation.

But Firefly is different. Here, Green isn’t working within the constraints of historical preservation or the footprint of a golden-age master. Instead, he’s working with more than 700 acres of rolling Tennessee countryside that he describes with the enthusiasm of an artist who’s finally found the perfect canvas.

The Land That Golf Was Meant For

“I absolutely love the ground at Firefly,” Green says, his excitement palpable when discussing the property’s natural features. “It almost feels as if it was destined to be here. The clubhouse is well set on a sprawling high point that allows for access and play in multiple directions.”

The topography reads like a golf architect’s dream: rolling hills that provide natural elevation changes, a winding creek that offers dramatic visual and strategic elements, and a tremendous rock formation along the 14th hole that the course plays alongside rather than around. It’s the kind of varied terrain that allows for what Green calls “one-of-a-kind golf shots” — the hallmark of memorable golf course design.

“The front nine loops out onto a flatter portion of the property, then turns and returns through a soft valley that truly sets itself apart from the rest of the layout,” Green explains. “The back nine borders part of the front before climbing onto a wonderful high point that is both stunning and the setting for a series of amazing holes.”

This natural variety has allowed Green to create what he believes will be a course that feels like it has “existed for decades” despite being built from scratch — the ultimate compliment for any golf course architect.

Golden Age Principles Meet Modern Innovation

Green’s design philosophy has always centered on what he calls “Golden Age principles” — the time-tested concepts pioneered by architects like Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie and A.W. Tillinghast in the early 20th century. These principles emphasize strategic options over penal design, natural ground movement over artificial features, and variety in shot values that keep golfers engaged from first tee to final putt.

“I love the Golden Age principles,” Green explains. “They are time-tested and adored by golfers, whether they recognize them inherently or not. The ability to play over a piece of ground with only minor manipulation by the bulldozer creates one-of-a-kind golf shots.”

At Firefly, these principles manifest in several key ways. The course will feature greens with interesting shapes and contours that allow the course to play differently every day, making hole location selection crucial.

Bunkers and hazards are positioned to make players think strategically rather than simply flanking the line of play. Width paired with rolling ground puts a premium on course management while still giving higher handicap golfers room to maneuver.

Perhaps most importantly, Green has designed Firefly to offer “a wide range of shot values and distances” that will make golfers “hit every club in the bag and remain so engaged that they are ready to play again the minute the round is over.”

A Course for Every Golfer

One of the most impressive aspects of Firefly’s design is its scalability. With tees ranging from more than 7,300 yards down to 4,860 yards, the course can challenge scratch golfers while remaining enjoyable for beginners. This flexibility reflects Green’s adherence to a favorite Donald Ross quote: “The ideal course is one that presents a test of golf for the everyday golfer and first-class player.”

“We want the best golfers to be tested — so we can push the tees back, and we have greens that allow for exciting hole locations,” Green notes. “If the club wants to host an event, we have that covered. At the same time, we also have the ability to set up the course in a more modest manner — where we still achieve great variety, but make it more enjoyable for the higher handicap golfer.”

This philosophy extends beyond just tee placement. The course routing itself tells a story, with what Green describes as a unique opening stretch featuring holes 2-5 that includes “two par-3s and two par-5s — a unique set of circumstances, but ones that are truly intriguing.” The closing stretch of holes 14-18 promises to “test every single aspect of your game” with opportunities to score balanced against places where even good golfers might struggle.

More Than Just 18 Holes

Firefly’s golf offering extends well beyond the championship 18-hole course. Green has also designed a nine-hole short course that he envisions as much more than a beginner’s layout or quick-play option.

“With the short course, I wanted to give players an opportunity to challenge themselves with every scoring shot the game of golf offers,” Green explains. “This means the tees allow most players to hit every iron in their bag, while the green surrounds provide unlimited chances to recover, practice and push yourself.”

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Todd Huizinga is transforming luxury golf communities by prioritizing genuine relationships over flashy amenities, creating environments where members and staff thrive together. When Huizinga, a Quarter Century PGA Member and the PGA of America General Manager at Firefly in Spring Hill, Tennessee, surveys the rolling hills where Firefly Club is taking shape under the masterful design of acclaimed architect Andrew Green, he sees more than just fairways and greens emerging from the landscape. He envisions something far more valuable: a community built on authentic human connections that will endure long after the novelty of new amenities fades.

Huizinga’s journey to this philosophy began more than 30 years ago when he graduated from Boise State University in 1993 and turned pro as an assistant golf professional at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. Since then, he has shepherded some of the most prestigious golf communities across the country, from the Jack Nicklaus-designed Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club in Arizona to The Vaquero Club in Texas, Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California and The Grove Club in Tennessee.

Throughout his career, Huizinga has developed what he calls his “One Great Idea,” the notion that sustainable success in luxury golf communities comes not from chasing the latest trends, but from the timeless practice of genuinely caring for people. “I know everyone is looking for a brilliant idea that changes the industry,” Huizinga said, “but my north star has always been taking care of people—connecting with members and staff, providing the best possible experience and representing the clubs that I have served in the most impactful way.”

This philosophy has been tested through diverse experiences managing everything from startup communities to distressed properties. Each experience reinforced his core belief that authentic relationships are the foundation of exceptional club communities.

Now, as general manager at Firefly, Huizinga is applying these principles to what promises to be one of the most ambitious luxury golf communities in the Nashville area. The 700-acre development, a partnership between Storied Development and Wheelock Street Capital, represents Andrew Green’s first original design after his celebrated restorations of historic courses including Scioto, Congressional and the award-winning Interlachen Country Club.

Green’s vision for Firefly includes an 18-hole championship golf course and a nine-hole short course that will take advantage of Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills and sweeping vistas. The courses are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with member play set to begin in spring 2026. Beyond golf, the community will feature luxury amenities including a full-service clubhouse, fitness center, family club, pools, bowling alley, golf simulators and a racquet club with tennis and indoor pickleball courts.

Yet for Huizinga, these facilities serve primarily as the backdrop for something more important: creating an environment where genuine relationships can flourish. His approach begins with understanding that luxury isn’t defined by the grandest amenities, but by the quality of human interactions within the community.

This philosophy extends to every aspect of Huizinga’s management style. Rather than viewing staff as service providers, he sees them as integral partners in creating the community experience. He invests time in understanding each team member’s strengths and aspirations, creating a culture where staff delivers exceptional service because they genuinely care about the community’s success.

The same principle applies to member relations. Huizinga recognizes that today’s affluent members have countless options for their leisure time. What keeps them engaged isn’t just premium facilities, but the feeling that they belong to something special—a community where they’re known, valued and connected to others who share their interests.

During Firefly’s development phase, Huizinga has focused on building relationships with the 60 Founder Members who have already committed to the community. Rather than simply processing memberships, he’s created opportunities for these early supporters to connect and feel invested in the community’s development. The launch of Encore Memberships in early 2025 represents another opportunity to apply these relationship-building principles.

This emphasis on authentic connections also influences how Huizinga approaches business metrics. While he understands the importance of financial performance, he frames these within the larger context of community building. Success isn’t just about revenue targets — it’s about meaningful connections facilitated, quality experiences delivered and relationships built.

This perspective has served Huizinga well during challenging periods of his career. When faced with a distressed property, he recognized that sustainable recovery required rebuilding trust among both staff and members. By prioritizing relationships and authentic communication, he transformed the community’s culture and positioned it for successful transition.

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