Old arguement. When golf became a serious [unfortunately I mean competitive] sport, golf courses were built near where the people who would play/compete live. Since most of them were monied, the courses were mostly in lowlands where towns were built. As wealth began to get more widely distributed, golf courses followed into more irregular lands, again to be nearby. Then, in recent years when the economy boomed, courses followed even into mountainous areas, for there was patronage and money there, now.
Sadly, there has been a drawback, and, no mistake, it has and will be in reverse order.
Yes, BTW, mountain courses CAN be great. Admittedly, few are now, because conservative architects will feel uncomfortable with the unique challenges, and will pass them to lesser lights, who need the money. Trying to hold an extra dimension, an extra challenge in your head while developing ideas is probably scary. Hope it will be overcome.
But perhaps not ....... next I will expect you to not fear trees.
Doug