River Golf Club in North Augusta, South Carolina

The River Golf Club in North Augusta, S.C. is one of those admirable golf courses risen, literally, from the rubbish heap. It sits on the site of an abandoned railroad yard and former illegal dump, a 5-iron over the Savannah River from Augusta, Ga.

You can get a glimpse of the way the old eyesore used to irritate the well-to-do of Augusta; architect Jim Fazio, Tom's older brother, left traces of the old rail yard, with some lingering railroad ties. No sign of garbage or trash, though. The little course is a picturesque gem in what could be considered an urban area, with the lights of downtown Augusta and the riverwalk shining on it in the early mornings or late winter afternoons.

Despite the proximity of the mighty Savannah River, which drains a basin that includes three states, the only water that comes into play are the lakes, ponds and impenetrable marsh that lie inland. No river here at the River Club; it's there for scenic value only.