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
1999
Meadow Course opens, bringing Forest Highlands to 36 holes
2006
Hosts USGA U.S. Mid-Amateur (co-host site)
2014
Hosts U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship
2019
Hosts U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
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.
Community Sentiment
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