Duke University is one of the finest colleges in the South, well-known for its scholars and championship basketball squads alike. It also boasts one of the best college golf courses in the land, the recently renovated Washington Duke Club. Robert Trent Jones built the Duke course in the 1950s, but a few years ago the university called upon his son, Rees Jones, to come back and undertake an updating and renovation. The result is a superb track through the piney woods that was deemed good enough to host the national collegiate championships in 2001. Although the elevation changes are barely perceptible, the beautiful sandy soil and thickly wooded terrain were made for a golf course. The duo-Jones design features plenty of water hazards and bunkers, and mostly smallish greens that are difficult to find with approaches. The heart of the redesigned course is what is now called “Rees’ Corner,” the 13th through 15th holes. 13 is a short par four, with a green bordered by water and sand. Fourteen is a long narrow par-five through the chute of trees and the 15th is an excellent par three of 216 yards, slightly uphill, to a two-level green. Anyone who can negotiate those three holes, and the rest, without destroying a card should get a master’s degree in course management. The elegant Washington Duke Inn, which looms over the course, is a wonderful place to stay, or to enjoy a post-round refreshment.