As a golf architecture enthusiast, few things get my pulse racing like hearing about an unexpected gem, a course revered by those in the know, tucked away from the usual championship rota. It’s even better when that endorsement comes from someone who spends their life on the road, seeing the best of facilities and courses, like Athletics All-Star outfielder Brent Rooker.
Rooker, a self-proclaimed golf obsessive, recently sat down with the guys over at Subpar, discussing his favorite tracks and those still on his wish list. And his confessed favorite? It’s a classic that many might overlook, nestled in the stunning landscape outside Chattanooga, on the Tennessee-Georgia border.
“Favorite course I’ve ever played is Lookout Mountain Country Club in Chattanooga,” Rooker told co-hosts Drew Stoltz and Colt Knost. “I love that course. I’ve played it four or five times. It’s my favorite.”
And honestly, who can blame him? Lookout Mountain Country Club, the masterful 1927 design by the legendary Seth Raynor and Charles Banks, refreshed in 2023 by Tyler Rae, is a testament to timeless golf architecture. GOLF magazine recognized its enduring quality, ranking it as the No. 5 course in Georgia for 2024-2025. This isn’t just another layout; it’s an intellectual and aesthetic feast for the golfer, embodying the design philosophy that makes the Golden Age architects so revered.
The Raynor/Banks Stamp: Strategy and Subtlety
When you step onto the first tee at Lookout Mountain, you’re not just playing a round of golf; you’re engaging in a conversation with history. Raynor, a protégé of the equally iconic C.B. Macdonald, developed a distinct architectural language, interpreting Macdonald’s template holes into his own stunning iterations. Banks, his partner, carried on this legacy with remarkable skill. At Lookout Mountain, you find these classic templates – the Biarritz, the Redan, the Punchbowl, the Eden, the Road Hole – woven seamlessly into the dramatic topography of Lookout Mountain itself.
What makes these architects’ work so compelling, and what I suspect resonates deeply with Rooker, is the strategic depth. This isn’t a course you overpower. It’s a course you outmaneuver. The greens, often complex and multi-tiered, demand precision and forethought. A missed approach by a few yards can leave you facing a subtly devilish putt, testing not only your stroke but your ability to read the nuances of the land. The bunkers aren’t just hazards; they are integral to the strategy, guiding or denying access, dictating lines of play.
The routing at Lookout Mountain is another marvel. Raynor and Banks had a genius for finding natural corridors and maximizing the land’s features, rather than imposing their will upon it. The course winds through the changing elevations, offering spectacular views of the Chattanooga Valley below, particularly from the higher points. This natural integration makes each hole feel like it was always meant to be there, not sculpted into existence. It’s a walk through a pristine landscape that happens to have 18 perfectly placed holes.
A Bucket List Delight: Sleepy Hollow
Beyond his beloved Lookout Mountain, Rooker also shared his number one “must-play” course, and it speaks volumes about his appreciation for architectural pedigree.
“I think the one that I want to play, I want to play Sleepy Hollow in New York,” Rooker said. “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, another C.B. Macdonald masterpiece, with later input from the equally brilliant A.W. Tillinghast, sits regally overlooking the Hudson River in New York. To hear Rooker pinpoint the 16th par-3, the “Short” hole with its iconic “thumbprint” green, tells me he understands what makes these courses truly special. It’s not just about hitting a ball; it’s about solving a puzzle, navigating a landscape that demands respect and cleverness.
Cameron Young, the PGA Tour star, honed his game on these hallowed grounds, where his father, David, serves as the long-time pro. It’s an interesting connection, suggesting that some of the purest golf minds are nurtured on these classic designs, where strategic thinking is paramount over raw power.
For those of us who chase the architectural ghosts of golf’s Golden Age, Sleepy Hollow, like Lookout Mountain, represents the pinnacle. It’s not just a course; it’s a chapter in golf history, played out over rolling terrain and iconic templates. The views alone are worth the visit, but the golf, particularly those famous “templates” crafted by Macdonald and Tillinghast, offers a rich, rewarding experience.
The Timeless Allure
So, whether it’s the natural beauty and classic templates of Lookout Mountain or the Hudson River grandeur and strategic genius of Sleepy Hollow, Brent Rooker’s preferences are a testament to the enduring appeal of well-designed golf courses. These aren’t courses that chase trends; they set them. They demand thought, reward precision, and offer a truly immersive experience that transcends a mere score on a card.
For anyone planning a golf trip to the Southeast, a detour to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga is a pilgrimage worth making. While it is a private club, opportunities to play can arise through member guest events or by knowing someone in the region. Experiencing a Raynor/Banks design in such a stunning natural setting is an education in itself. And for those dreaming of New York golf, Sleepy Hollow (also private) remains a beacon for architectural purists, a course that leaves an indelible mark on all who are fortunate enough to play it.
Rooker’s choices remind us that sometimes, the true treasures of golf architecture aren’t always the most publicized, but they are undeniably some of the most profound and enjoyable examinations of the game.
