Forest Highlands Golf Club – Meadow logo
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Forest Highlands Golf Club – Meadow

81

Flagstaff, Arizona

Established
1999
Architect
Tom Weiskopf
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,310 – 7,272 yds
The verdict

Elite Northern Arizona Test

Tom Weiskopf’s Meadow Course at Forest Highlands brings mountain golf drama and pristine conditioning together in one of Arizona’s most respected private experiences. With scoring stretches, broad elevation changes, and championship-tested pedigree, it’s a round that rewards thoughtful play and lets the beauty of Flagstaff deliver. Not a world-top-100, but a worthy state standout and regional destination.

Course DNA
Difficulty
84
Scenery
88
Conditioning
86
Shot Variety
77
Walkability
68
Green Complexity
77
Wow Factor
76
Design Quality
82
Don't miss

Ask about the club’s posted course records—members take pride in challenging visiting scratch golfers to top the legendary Meadow marks.

At a glance

Quick facts

Elevation
Over 7,000 feet above sea level
Course Record
64 (men), 65 (women)
Opening Year
1999
Signature Architect
Tom Weiskopf
Longest Par 3
246 yards (11th)
Longest Hole
602 yards (18th)
State Ranking
Top 15 in Arizona (Golf Digest)
The design

The architecture

Meadow is the quintessential modern mountain course—inviting off the tee, but with enough length and contour to challenge top players. Weiskopf’s routing uses elevation change and subtle fairway movement to shape attacking and defensive lines, with greens that reward spin control and precise trajectory more than brute force. Strategic risk/reward par fives and a set of dramatically varied par threes ensure no two holes play the same, while the course remains a walkable journey through towering Flagstaff pines.

Tom Weiskopf’s love for shot variety and mountain drama is on full display, offering thoughtful risk-reward play in a natural setting.

Defining features
  • Strategic par 5s offering go-for-green temptation
  • Long, challenging par 3s at elevation
  • Broad altitude-driven club selection
  • Weiskopf’s walkable routing through pines
  • True private-club surfaces
  • Dramatic finishing stretch
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 9

Pine Corridor Challenge

PAR
4
YARDAGE
487

This long par 4 closes out the front nine with a tight driving corridor bordered by towering pines and enough length to demand two serious shots. It’s a separator for scorecards—a place to gain ground or leak shots just before the turn.

Play it smart

A controlled, accurate drive is critical; play conservatively off the tee to ensure an approach from the fairway for the best angle into the green.

Where it bites

Miss left or right and you’ll find pine trouble and recovery shots; biting off too much off the tee can turn this into a bogey in a heartbeat.

Course management

Shots to think about

Approaching an elevated green with swirling winds
Take one club less, but pick a target playing for a conservative miss—altitude and wind exaggerate mistakes.
Facing the long par-3 11th
Trust your long-iron tempo, aim for the fat of the green, and don’t let the yardage psyche you out—par is a win here.
Second shot on a strategic par 5
Assess whether you have the angle and carry to go for it—often a layup to full wedge is smarter than bringing hazards in play.
Driving on a pine-lined par 4
Prioritize keeping it in play over distance; punch-outs are costly and recoveries rarely yield birdie chances.
Reading slick, sloping greens
Respect subtle breaks and elevate lag-putting focus—elevation exaggerates downhill pace.
Approach with a sidehill lie
Adjust stance and club selection for ball above or below your feet, as slopes here can grab you quick.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Pristine private-club conditioning, slick greens, and consistent fairways

Pace

Generally brisk private-club pace; rarely crowded

Vibe

Exclusive, quietly energetic, member-focused with mountain retreat feel

Dress code

Standard private-club attire expected (collared shirts, no denim)

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Prepare for Altitude

Bring extra water and learn your adjusted yardages—Flagstaff’s elevation means you’ll hit every club longer than at sea level.

02

Dial in the Wedges

The greens are quick and protected—be ready for high, soft approaches and precise pitching from tight lies around the greens.

03

Walking Shoes

Though walkable, the course’s mountain undulations and elevation reward comfortable footwear and good pacing.

04

Plan a Conservative Opening

The opening stretch rewards solid ball striking over risk—play safe early as you settle into the mountain vibe.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1999

    Meadow Course opens, bringing Forest Highlands to 36 holes

  2. 2006

    Hosts USGA U.S. Mid-Amateur (co-host site)

  3. 2014

    Hosts U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship

  4. 2019

    Hosts U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur

  5. 2022

    $6.75 million clubhouse renovation completed

Stories & legends

What makes it special

Championship Pedigree

A Course Built for Championship Moments

Forest Highlands Meadow may not host the PGA Tour, but it’s proven championship mettle over and over, including a trio of USGA national amateur championships that tested the best up-and-coming golfers in demanding mountain conditions.

Design Philosophy

Weiskopf's Pine-Cloaked Canvas

Tom Weiskopf’s hand is everywhere here: from the walkable routes through fragrant ponderosa to the risk/reward par 5s and real decisions on every approach. You’ll find both subtle movement and dramatic moments in this modern classic.

Mountain Challenge

Elevation: The Unseen Hazard

Over 7,000 feet up, every club decision is different—what looks like a wedge on the card may play two clubs less, and swirling winds lurk in the trees. It’s golf for those who love having nature in on the action.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

The Meadow course sits above 7,000 feet—balls fly farther than you think.

2

Tom Weiskopf considered Meadow one of his favorite walking mountain routings.

3

Three USGA national amateur championships have come through Meadow since opening.

4

The 11th hole’s length and wind have made it locally infamous.

5

Forest Highlands is one of few Arizona clubs with two Weiskopf 18s.

Build the trip

If you're planning a Northern Arizona golf trip...

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Sedona Golf Resort
Public

Spectacular red rock scenery—an entirely different, stunning visual experience

Continental Country Club
Public

Relaxed Flagstaff public alternative and family-friendly

Pine Canyon Club
Private

High-end, modern mountain golf—if you can secure an invite

Pinewood Country Club
Semi-Private

Charming, walkable semi-private test with easy vibes

Oakcreek Country Club
Public

Classic Sedona option with Robert Trent Jones Sr. design

Flagstaff for access to Forest Highlands, dining, and authentic mountain town atmosphere; Sedona if seeking more scenery-driven side-trips.

Course DNA

If You Like Forest Highlands Golf Club – Meadow

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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