As a golf architecture enthusiast who’s had the privilege of traversing fairways across 200+ courses globally, I’ve long admired the classic lines of Seth Raynor. So, when I stumbled upon Brent Rooker’s recent remarks on the Subpar podcast, my ears perked up. The Athletics All-Star outfielder, it seems, shares a kindred spirit when it comes to appreciating timeless design.
Rooker, a man clearly bitten by the golf bug, spoke reverently about a particular gem nestled just over the Tennessee-Georgia border:
“Favorite course I’ve ever played is Lookout Mountain Country Club in Chattanooga. I love that course. I’ve played it four or five times. It’s my favorite.”
Ah, Lookout Mountain. The very name evokes images of grandeur and elevation, and indeed, it delivers. Designed by the master Seth Raynor himself, with Charles Banks contributing in 1927, this course is a brilliant exhibition of strategic geometry and natural beauty. For seasoned aficionados like myself, the mention of Raynor immediately brings to mind his distinctive template holes – the Biarritz, the Redan, the Punchbowl – each a puzzle box of angles and contours demanding surgical precision.
Lookout Mountain Country Club, measuring 6,613 yards, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Golden Age architecture. The 2023 touch-up by Tyler Rae, a talented architect with a keen understanding of historical design, has undoubtedly brought Raynor and Banks’ original vision into sharp focus, enhancing rather than altering its fundamental character. GOLF.com, recognizing its distinction, ranked it as the No. 5 course in Georgia for 2024-2025, a deserved honor that speaks volumes about its quality and strategic depth.
What truly sets a Raynor course apart, and what I imagine captivates players like Rooker, is the intellectual challenge. It’s not just about hitting a ball; it’s about understanding the subtle dictates of the land, the angles of approach, and the often-deceptive contours of the greens. The greens themselves are often masterpieces, with their squared-off edges and internal undulations demanding a precise short game. Each hole feels like a well-crafted riddle, inviting contemplation and rewarding intelligent play.
While Lookout Mountain holds a special place in Rooker’s heart, his ‘must-play’ list also reveals a connoisseur’s eye. It’s not just the usual suspects like Augusta or St. Andrews, though I’m sure those are on his mind. Instead, he pines for another Top 100 course, one I’ve personally been fortunate enough to walk:
“I think the one that I want to play, I want to play Sleepy Hollow in New York. That’s the one I see pictures of, and the one specific par 3 (No. 16) with the thumbprint, I want to play that hole really bad.”
Sleepy Hollow, indeed! This is another Raynor masterpiece, and in my humble opinion, one of his finest. Rooker’s specific desire to play the 16th par-3, with its famous “thumbprint” green, is telling. That hole, with its dramatic drop, expansive views of the Hudson River, and the devilishly contoured putting surface, is pure architectural theater. It’s a prime example of how Raynor took natural features and amplified them into unforgettable golf holes. Having navigated that complex green myself, I can attest to its mesmerizing beauty and its challenging nature. It’s a hole that lives in your memory long after the round is over.
Cameron Young, whose father David is the long-time pro at Sleepy Hollow, honed his game on these very fairways. Knowing a PGA Tour star grew up on a course like Sleepy Hollow further underscores its architectural integrity and its ability to challenge and refine a player’s skills. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s a demanding test of golf.
For those dreaming of following in Rooker’s footsteps, playing either of these hallowed grounds requires a bit of good fortune or a well-placed connection. Both Lookout Mountain Country Club and Sleepy Hollow are private clubs, bastions of classic golf, and certainly exclusive. But the pursuit, for any true golf architecture aficionado, is part of the allure.
The beauty of these courses, beyond their manicured fairways and strategic bunkering, lies in their ability to transport you. Standing on a tee at Lookout Mountain, looking out over the panoramic vistas, or dropping down to the 16th green at Sleepy Hollow with the Hudson sparkling below, you feel a connection to a bygone era of golf design. It’s an immersive experience that goes beyond the scorecard, resonating with the soul of the game.
Rooker’s passion for these architectural marvels is contagious, and it’s a refreshing reminder that the beauty and challenge of well-designed golf courses transcend skill level. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the genius of a Seth Raynor layout is something truly special to behold and, hopefully, to play.
