Lookout Mountain (Raynor/Banks)

[Erik J. Barzeski]

You have to walk it backward.

And have a few balls to toss around and roll on the greens.

[Joe Zucker]

One of my favorite courses is Canterbury in Cleveland because I find the greens to be subtle and a real challenge to read.  If I walked the course, I have no idea how I would appreciate this characteristic because I would assume what my eyes see is correct.  Similarly at Lookout Mountain, I'm guessing that I wouldn't think that I would de-green my ball 3 times in one round (which I did in my one play). 


It seems like the ideal solution is to play a round, then walk the course after.  Without playing, I can't imagine I would ever be able to fully appreciate greens and the surrounds because my mind would not see the unexpected features/results.  Similarly, while playing I'm sure I'd ignore all the places my ball didn't end up.  As with everything in life, there are trade offs to each.

[Eric Strulowitz]

One of my favorite courses is Canterbury in Cleveland because I find the greens to be subtle and a real challenge to read.  If I walked the course, I have no idea how I would appreciate this characteristic because I would assume what my eyes see is correct.  Similarly at Lookout Mountain, I'm guessing that I wouldn't think that I would de-green my ball 3 times in one round (which I did in my one play). 


It seems like the ideal solution is to play a round, then walk the course after.  Without playing, I can't imagine I would ever be able to fully appreciate greens and the surrounds because my mind would not see the unexpected features/results.  Similarly, while playing I'm sure I'd ignore all the places my ball didn't end up.  As with everything in life, there are trade offs to each.

Joe, I have to agree about those greens at Canterbury, they are indeed very subtle.  I can say without reservation, that Canterbury is my favorite course anywhere.  If I lived nearby, would join that place in a minute.  What they did on a relatively compact uninspiring plot of land is amazing.  Can't wait to get back there later this year again.


I am a member at Lookout, and I have studied those greens from every angle, and it never ceases to amaze how down is up, and up is down.  There are breaks you could never guess.   Every guest I have hosted there, has been amazed at  this phenomenon, some of the rolls on those greens defy reason.   I understand how Raynor did it, but am at a loss of words to describe it exactly.  The greens clearly steal the show there, the rest of the course is simply amazing, and on a clear day the views just blow you away.  Encourage anyone in the area to give it a try, I am certainly happy to host anytime I am free!

[Mike Hendren]

I understand how Raynor did it, but am at a loss of words to describe it exactly.

Eric and others:  Do you think Raynor and Banks set out to build confounding greens or did it just work out that way randomly based upon the topography and visuals? 

It is a real treat to play Lookout Mountain and what I call its Ouiji Board greens - the ball just seems to randomly migrate around and across  them!   The course jumps on you right out of the gate with the first four holes being quite challenging.  A no frills golfer's club with a great vibe. 

Bogey

[Jason Thurman]

Mike, I love that question. I've always thought that some sites are just naturally disorienting because of prevailing slopes and/or perspective-skewing visuals. That's my feeling about Lookout and a few other courses... Rustic Canyon is a notable example. So is Northland.


But that doesn't mean there's no architectural artistry at work taking advantage of the surrounding environment. At the very least, I give a lot of credit at a place like Lookout for building the right greens for the site, and I don't dismiss the idea that some of the deception out there is purposeful too. I just think the setting lends the bulk of it.

[Tim Martin]

I understand how Raynor did it, but am at a loss of words to describe it exactly.

Eric and others:  Do you think Raynor and Banks set out to build confounding greens or did it just work out that way randomly based upon the topography and visuals? 

It is a real treat to play Lookout Mountain and what I call its Ouiji Board greens - the ball just seems to randomly migrate around and across  them!   The course jumps on you right out of the gate with the first four holes being quite challenging.  A no frills golfer's club with a great vibe. 

Bogey

Mike-To answer your question I think they set out to build confounding greens. They always used the topography expertly as an assist in that effort.

[Chad Anderson (Tennessee)]

I'm excited to have Lookout Mountain host our Tennessee Match Play Championship this July!  Those boys better play a practice round.


Many players can't figure out the greens as "all putts break towards the college."  From what I have heard, the original clubhouse location was supposed to be overlooking the bluff after 2 green.  That would have been spectacular.