Tim,
Having hiked most of the well-known PA trails (and a few not-so-well known) and the Appalachain Trail north of Kentucky I definitely agree with you Tim.
Much like golf courses, trails should emphasis the highs and lows of a site and take the hiker over, under, around and through the best of the terrain along the trail.
There are also many engineering considerations that are similar to golf, especially when dealing with mountains, hills and other extended crimes so as not to distrupt water flow and other natural occurances.
I often feel that golf courses should "feel" like a hike.
I also want to pitch an idea to the Golf Channel where I would hike the Appalachain Trail with a special backpack rigged to carry 5-6 clubs and I would play courses along the way. I think that would make a great series.