Flagstaff, Arizona
Forest Highlands Canyon delivers a thrilling, scenic test in the high pines above Flagstaff, with a design pedigree that shines from the opening tee. While it’s a private haven for members and their lucky guests, the course’s balance of drama, conditioning, and beauty has put it among Arizona’s elite mountain layouts.
Seek out the first-of-its-kind dedicated putting course—it's a fun, unique post-round tradition rare even among elite clubs.
Canyon is a showcase for Weiskopf & Morrish’s mountain vision, with 18 bold, well-routed holes flowing through ponderosa pines and along high ground that feels untouched. The course’s shot values stem from dramatic elevation changes, lengthy par 5s, and a routing that leverages Flagstaff’s distinctive high-country setting. Rather than overpower the land, the architects embraced the rolling topography and created strategic challenges where elevation, club selection, and tree-lined fairways keep golfers guessing. Greens are subtly contoured, bunkering is classic Weiskopf/Morrish—a blend of natural edges and strategic placement—and the par-5s and par-3s stand out for both their scenery and demands.
Weiskopf & Morrish’s minimalist-yet-challenging routing shapes every shot with mature forest, bold landforms, and memorable long holes.
A big par-5 that tempts aggressive players with reach in two, but tests nerve with its length, elevation change, and tree-lined landing zones. Strategic layups contend with sloping fairways and subtle wind shifts through the pines.
Set up your approach by prioritizing fairway position—don't get greedy unless you can control spin and trajectory.
Left or right miss brings gnarly pine rough into play, and the long approach exaggerates any club-selection mistake.
Pristine private-club standards, with firm fairways and receptive greens.
Steady, unhurried member pace—enjoy the round’s rhythm.
Quiet, exclusive, and intensely local; a world away from tourist golf.
Adjust yardages to account for thinner air—the ball will carry farther, especially on approaches.
Mornings can be cool at elevation; bring layers and sunscreen for UV at 7,000 feet.
The course is walkable but has hilly terrain, so prepare for some steep treks between holes.
Focus on conditions—the course plays shorter than the numbers thanks to elevation and firmness.
Forest Highlands Golf Club founded as a residential golf development.
Canyon Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish, officially opens.
Homeowners Association takes stewardship, catalyzing further club development.
Canyon Course receives new irrigation and bunker work.
Canyon Course enters season with outstanding conditioning; no major redesigns.
Forest Highlands Canyon didn’t just open another private club in Arizona—it put Flagstaff on the state golf map and triggered a wave of high-elevation mountain designs. The course’s dramatic pine setting and big, bold holes still set a bar for mountain golf in the Southwest.
Tom Weiskopf once said about Forest Highlands, 'I don’t think I have seen a more natural setting for a golf course.' That vision is realized every time you step onto a tee surrounded by pines, cool high-elevation air, and postcard mountain views.
Forest Highlands claims to have the first 'modern-era' dedicated putting course in the United States, designed by Dick Bailey. It’s a fun, social fixture—and a little-known original among private clubs nationwide.
The Canyon’s 7,000-yard, par-71 layout reads intimidating on paper, but at nearly 7,000 feet elevation, tee shots soar and approach shots demand nimble club selection—especially when mountain winds whip through the pines.
The Canyon Course is played at nearly 7,000 feet elevation—one of Arizona’s highest club routings.
Its six par 3s are a rarity and a key challenge of the round.
Forest Highlands pioneered the modern private-club putting course in America.
The course is framed entirely by mature ponderosa pines, creating a unique mountain golf atmosphere.
Tom Weiskopf named the Forest Highlands site as among the most naturally beautiful he’d ever routed.
Fun, accessible mountain golf west of Flagstaff
Dramatic red rock vistas and exclusivity
Another elite Flagstaff private course
Eye-popping desert-mountain scenery
Popular local option in Flagstaff proper
Flagstaff—close to the Canyon course, with access to town and high-country excursions
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Forest Highlands Golf Club – Canyon is your kind of course, 3 Creek Ranch Golf Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience and puts the same premium on presentation.
Why it matches: If Forest Highlands Golf Club – Canyon is your kind of course, Old Edwards Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Why it matches: Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is a natural next stop after Forest Highlands Golf Club – Canyon: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Desert masterpiece, public access
Celebrated Midwest private course
Sister course on same property
Community Sentiment
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