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!