Lookout Mountain Golf Club
Phoenix, Arizona
Located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in north Phoenix, Lookout Mountain offers dramatic elevated tee shots, mountain-framed greens, and a resort-friendly layout that rewards accuracy over length. The shorter yardage makes it accessible while the terrain keeps it engaging.
History & Heritage
Lookout Mountain Golf Club opened in 1989, designed by Bill Johnston (with later contributions from Forrest Richardson) as part of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in north Phoenix. The course was built to complement the resort experience while offering dramatically more terrain character than typical resort layouts.
Over the years, Lookout Mountain has hosted Champions Tour events and earned Golf Digest's Four Star Award for ten consecutive years. Zagat Survey named it one of "America's Top Golf Courses," and Arizona Business Magazine ranked it among the Top Ten resort courses in Arizona. Now managed by Troon Golf, it remains one of the most memorable resort plays in the Phoenix area.
Hole 10 was voted the No. 1 Golf Hole in Phoenix in 2010 — a dramatic distinction for a resort course competing against the Valley's many celebrated private and public layouts.
Signature Holes
Voted the No. 1 Golf Hole in Phoenix (2010). Features a jaw-dropping 14-story drop from tee to green — the tee shot plays from a mountainside perch with sweeping valley views. The visual drama is extraordinary. Take significantly less club than the yardage suggests.
"The Lookout" — an elevated tee with panoramic mountain views that epitomize the course's character. The vista from the tee box is among the most photographed on the property.
The finishing hole features a peninsula green surrounded by water on three sides, creating a nerve-testing conclusion. A reachable par 5 that rewards bold, accurate approach play.
What to Expect
The round transforms dramatically as it progresses. Opening holes play in traditional resort fashion — relatively flat and welcoming. By holes 7-9, the course climbs into the North Phoenix Mountains with elevation changes rising as much as 175 feet above the valley floor. Views of Lookout Mountain and Piestewa Peak emerge as panoramic backdrops.
At 6,518 yards, the yardage is modest, but the creative layout, mountain terrain, and undulating Bermuda greens make it far more challenging than the scorecard suggests. Four tee sets accommodate all skill levels.
The resort setting includes the Pointe in Tyme restaurant as the 19th hole, with views of the finishing holes.
Playing Tips
On the famous 10th hole (14-story drop), take significantly less club than the yardage suggests. The elevation drop means the ball carries much farther than on flat ground.
The large, sloped greens require attention to pin position. Leaving yourself below the hole is critical for manageable putts.
Uphill holes on the front nine play longer than the card — club up. Downhill mountain holes play shorter — club down.
Hydrate aggressively. Phoenix heat combined with uphill climbs on the mountain holes depletes energy quickly.
Don't let the modest yardage fool you into thinking this is easy. The terrain and green complexes provide the challenge.
Highlights
- ✓ Dramatic mountain terrain in north Phoenix
- ✓ Resort-friendly but engaging layout
- ✓ Tapatio Cliffs Resort on-site access
Frequently Asked Questions
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