Favorite Hole
No. 3, Par 4, 382 yards, “Bottle”
Though there are more visually striking holes, the third hole presents a fun challenge with its constricted driving area and elevated green. The segmented green directs shots into specific zones and has a slight tilt at the back. The approach shot can be likened to a mid-range jumper, requiring finesse and precision to get the ball close on this captivating putting surface.
Overall Thoughts
Lookout Mountain stands out among Raynor’s courses as it was never fully completed. While Raynor positioned the tees, fairways, and greens where he envisioned, the entire bunker scheme was left out due to exorbitant construction costs. Over $400,000 was spent transporting railcars of topsoil up the mountain to create a bunkerless course, making it the second most expensive golf course ever built, just behind Yale’s course.
For a significant portion of its existence, Lookout Mountain struggled as it remained unfinished and deteriorated over the years. Greens shrank, trees overgrew, and enhancements were rarely made. In the mid-90s, Stein initiated a long-term plan with Brian Silva, who gradually worked to align the course closer to Raynor’s original vision. By the early 2000s, new architect Gil Hanse picked up the mantle with an updated plan. The golf boom of the 2020s spurred a renewed effort to fully realize the incomplete design.
Today, restoring golf courses typically involves studying historical images to recreate what once existed. Skilled architects and designers aim to reconstruct the course based on these visuals. However, in Lookout Mountain’s case, since much of what should have been was never built, it leaves room for interpretation. This dynamic challenges the design team to envision the intent of Seth Raynor and Charles Banks. By exploring various existing Raynor courses, the team found numerous inspirations for Lookout Mountain.
The collaboration between Rae, Franz, and associate Ben Warren rejuvenated the course’s design, effectively marrying the terrain with its features. All of Raynor’s planned bunkers were finally constructed, allowing the course to achieve its desired potential in a stunning manner. The expansive greens now feature steep slopes, pronounced ridges, and intricate channels. The complexity of the putting surfaces showcases some of Raynor’s boldest design templates, making Lookout Mountain an unforgettable experience. But can it be considered one of Raynor’s finest works?
Any golfer navigating this mountainous layout will surely be captivated by the numerous memorable moments and daring shots it demands. With its challenging terrain, players can expect to execute everything from slinging draws to delicate wedge shots, along with plenty of time watching their ball roll along steep greens. While several holes shine brightly, some compromises were necessary to fit the rocky landscape. The design lacks the refinement and cohesiveness found in many of Raynor’s earlier celebrated works, such as Chicago Golf Club and Shoreacres, which blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This difference is likely due to Raynor’s absence from the construction phase. Additionally, after the first two holes, the course entails a lot of uphill walking, which, while challenging, is manageable. Could Raynor have better designed the routing? That remains uncertain. Could Rae and Franz’s teams have done more with the landscape they had? Perhaps not.
Lookout Mountain is remarkable in many respects, yet it lacks the completeness to be deemed truly great. Despite the site’s challenges for golf, it offers many positives, though these do not fully alleviate its inherent downsides. The significant efforts to finally fulfill Raynor’s vision deserve recognition since the course has greatly improved and remains enjoyable.
0 Eggs
Never pass up the chance to play Lookout Mountain. Its bold design captivates, though the challenging terrain and poor soil detract from its overall presentation. Perhaps the site has always been a barrier to its greatness, but this very aspect contributes to its memorable allure.
Course Tour
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