Course Review!

A review of Lookout Mountain Golf Course in Arizona

Course Stats
  • Par 72

  • Bill Johnston, Forrest Richardson Design

  • Opened in 1989

  • 4,521 - 6,515 yards

  • Located in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

4 Things We Love 👍
  • Scenic mountain views

  • Challenging but fun layout

  • Unique resort atmosphere

  • Friendly Vibe


1 Thing to Consider 👎
  • Ball hungry terrain


Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Elevated Drama and Desert Beauty: Why Lookout Mountain Golf Club Deserves a Spot on Your Arizona Golf Trip


Quick Recap: What is golfing Lookout Mountain really like?

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to launch a tee shot from a mountaintop into a postcard, Lookout Mountain Golf Club just might be your next must-play.  Located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Lookout Mountain Golf Club is a desert gem built into the rugged hillsides of North Phoenix. Honored as one of the top 25 public tracks in Arizona and part of Golf Digest’s Top 450 in the U.S., this course delivers a mix of scenic beauty, resort comfort, and strategic shotmaking. With towering tee boxes, dramatic elevation changes, and Bermuda greens set against sweeping mountain vistas, Lookout Mountain leans fully into the “golf with a view” vibe. But does the experience match the hype? Let's break it down.

1.  Instagram vs. Reality – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The photos truly capture the experience at Lookout Mountain. The panoramic views from the 10th tee and the cliffside drama on the back nine are every bit as stunning in person as they appear online.

2. Clubhouse/Pro Shop Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The pro shop has been ranked among the Top 100 in the country, and the staff is top-tier in hospitality. The Pointe in Tyme restaurant is solid for post-round drinks and meals.

3. Greens Personality  ⭐⭐⭐½

The large Bermuda greens can be a real highlight when they’re in peak condition...smooth, true, and rewarding to putt on. Even in off‑seasons, while a few spots may show some patchiness, the overall experience remains enjoyable. The slopes are subtle yet cleverly designed, often running back‑to‑front, adding just the right amount of challenge to keep you engaged.

4. Fairway Forgiveness  ⭐⭐⭐½

The front nine greets you with wide fairways and a relaxed resort vibe, making for an inviting start. The back nine then raises the stakes with its elevated canyon stretch, where precision is rewarded and every shot feels dramatic against the desert brush and steep drop‑offs. It’s a round that blends comfort with challenge, offering both relaxation and excitement.

5. Pace of Play Reality   ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

One of the course’s standout strengths. Morning rounds especially flow beautifully, and staff keeps the tee sheet running smoothly. Sub-4.5 hour rounds are the norm here.

6. Snack Shack Score  ⭐⭐⭐½

The course delivers a welcoming dining experience with friendly staff, tasty snacks, and a great post‑round atmosphere. While mid‑round options are limited and prices lean toward resort‑level, the overall food and beverage experience adds to the charm of playing here.

7. Signature Hole Swagger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 10th hole, with a 175-foot drop from tee to fairway, is pure adrenaline. Add in a well-guarded green and sweeping mountain views, and this hole delivers, both as a visual masterpiece and a strategic test.

8. Scorecard Survivability    ⭐⭐⭐½

Breaking 90 is doable here if you play smart. The front nine builds confidence, while the back challenges you with elevation, blind shots, and canyon carries—rewarding accuracy and discipline with a memorable round.

9. Best Par 3    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Hole 11, known as The Snake Pit, is a dramatic one-shotter from a cliffside perch to a narrow target with desert on all sides. It’s beautiful, terrifying, and unforgettable. One of the best short holes in the Valley.

10. Wallet Worthy ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

With a Troon Card, this is a great value. But, even at full rack rate, you’re getting mountain golf with a side of resort treatment, and few other Phoenix options can offer that combo.

11. Brag-Ability Bucket List    ⭐⭐⭐½

Lookout is one of the few Phoenix-area tracks where you’ll pull out your phone just to film your tee shots. It’s not world-famous, but among locals and return visitors, it holds legit bragging rights.

Final Verdict: Is Lookout Mountain Golf Course Worth Checking Out?

Lookout Mountain Golf Club is a scenic rollercoaster of desert golf that blends mountain drama, resort ease, and strategic play in equal measure. It’s not perfect, but the elevation shots and postcard views more than make up for a few rough edges. If you’re headed to Phoenix and want a round that’s both affordable and unforgettable, this one should be on your list.

AUGUST 2025