One of the attributes of Brad's column is that it is logically laid out and if you disagree with his final assessment, you can generally pick back through the article and determine why the two of you come to a different conclusion.
In the case of Lookout Mountain, I place it a notch or two higher than Brad. Where we disagree are:
1) Ease and intimacy of routing - Brad gives it a 5. Though noting the green to tee walks are short, he cites some steep walks and awkward slopes. Even with the down and then way up 7th, I have never been fatigued in the slightest on any of my several walks around the course and consider it an invigorating place for a walk. As Bahto says, routing may well be Raynor's greatest strength as an architect and Lookout is no exception - I would give it a 7.
2) Natural setting and overall land plan - Brad gives it a 4, in part because of the modern clubhouse and truncated views off the mountain. As the clubhouse is only in the background of the 12th and 18th holes, I wouldn't penalize the course to the degree of a "4". Plus, many of the trees that block views aren't on the club's property, and thus they can't fell them, which though a pity, doesn't detract from the work that has been done of the grounds. Again, I would give it at least a 7.
3) Brad gives the set of one shotters a "6" in large part because he found the Eden hole "very disappointing." Though not a pretty hole, the 16th is the only Eden green in the world that is as severe as the original and for that (and for the fact that hole plays well in that it is amazingly pivotal match after match), I harbor kinder thoughts toward the hole, and thus the set in general. An extremely good set of holes highlighted by the Short hole.
4) Brad gives the two three shotters a "4". Yes, the 14th green needs to be restored but I think the "NASCAR" bank on the 10th is a great piece of routing (i.e. I can think of no better use of that feature of the property). I would give them a 6.
Overall, Brad is complimentary in that he says the course deserves serious consideration for inclusion in the US top 100. He gives the greens and their surrounding contours a "10" and the integrity of the design a "9". I agree with all that but would unhesitatingly place it at least above the 20-30 courses at the bottom of GolfWeek's Classic 100 list.
To my mind, I have it just behind Holston Hills as the 2nd finest in the state, which puts Lookout slightly ahead of The Honors Course. More importantly, with its location atop a mountain, it is surely one of the 3/4 most unique courses in the southeast, and anyone would delight in getting to know this course.
Cheers,