Life is chaotic. Our attention and time are constantly pulled in different directions. What better way to escape this chaos than getting lost in nature? Or, in the case of this MyGolfSpy Experience, lost “above the clouds.”
Golf and nature go hand in hand. The land is a golf course architect’s canvas. The end result should be a golf course that allows golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game and an impeccable display of nature in all of her beauty.
This is McLemore, present and future.
Play Above the Clouds
In Rising Fawn, Ga., along the eastern part of Lookout Mountain, there is a piece of property that boasts one of the best finishing holes you’ve ever seen and some of the most breathtaking views you’ll witness on a golf course. And that’s just the beginning.
Duane Horton, the visionary behind this remarkable creation, fell in love with the property in 2017. He and the Scenic Land Company purchased what was formerly called Canyon Ridge Resort. From there, they rebranded the property to McLemore.
Once the rebranding took place, it was time to embark on a mission, to give McLemore definition and recognition. How is this accomplished? Well, Scenic Land Company sought out two distinguished golf course architects to oversee the renovation and redesign: Bill Bergin and Rees Jones.
Their first product is McLemore’s Highlands Golf Course. It is where the reality of “playing above the clouds” comes to life.
The second product is their current project, The Keep at McLemore, which will usher in a new reality of “playing above the clouds.”
The Highlands
The Highlands plays to a par of 71 and stretches to 7,005 yards from the tips. With six tee boxes, the Highlands offers playing options for golfers of all skill levels. There is a seventh option, the Members tees, which is a hybrid tee option for each of the 18 holes.
It is easy to get caught up in the awe and wonder of the 18th hole. However, there are a plethora of other gems throughout the golf course.
Holes 6, 7 and 15
The scenic par-5 sixth hole features a sensational elevation drop that presents an intimidating approach shot. It stretches to 531 yards from the Member tees. The tee shot is paramount, especially if you want a chance at going for the green in two or even attempting to have a look at birdie. A poor tee shot leaves you in a tricky situation. Either you lay up on the plateau or you commit to a blind approach shot. This is a true high-risk, high-reward hole and a big number is easily possible.
Hole 7 is a 180-yard par-3 which continues to embrace a canyon-like feel that flows from the sixth. It offers a picturesque view and demands a high-quality shot over a boulder-filled hazard area. It remains one of my favorite holes here.
Hole 15 is a downhill, dogleg-right par-4 with two strategically placed fairway bunkers down the left side. From the tee box, you get a glimpse of McLemore Cove in the distance. It is the perfect tease to what awaits you on the 18th hole.
The 18th Hole
The crown jewel of McLemore’s Highlands golf course is the 18th hole. It is without question the best closing hole I have ever experienced. Photos, videos and comments don’t do it justice. You must witness it in person.
The 18th is a slight dogleg-left along the cliff edge and plays anywhere from 435 to 323 yards. With McLemore’s clubhouse up the hill to your right, the entire fairway slopes hard from right to left, which creates a “where in the world do I aim this tee shot?” moment. If you hit the fairway, kudos to you. The approach shot is uphill to a green on a plateau along the cliffside. Breathtaking, daunting and everything in between lies before your eyes. “Living life on the edge” is an understatement.
The Keep at McLemore
“There isn’t a signature hole. This is a signature golf course.” I heard Rees Jones say these words and I couldn’t agree more. After all, I just spent a majority of the day learning and witnessing the wonder that will be “The Keep” at McLemore.
At this point, there is a “where do I start?” thought. How do I begin to describe an unfinished golf course? You see dirt. You see irrigation pipes, construction signs and small flag indicators everywhere. Peel all of this away and the answer is actually fairly easy: let the landscape do the talking. This is exactly what The Keep did and will do.
The golf will be impeccable and the views will be unforgettable. Several holes will feature cliff-edge scenery that overlooks McLemore Cove (the valley below Lookout Mountain). McLemore Cove enables The Keep to have a headlands course feel due to the wind variances. The wind can be a gentle breeze or switch to a westerly wind that allows for a “coastline” feel and atmosphere. Think Pebble Beach or any other golf course that showcases a shoreline golf hole.
The flow of the course will allow golfers to see a majority of the other holes at all times. Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment is an infinity green for hole 16. Golfers will hit their approach shots to a green that appears to sit in the sky. Once they’re on the green, they can survey the entire course. The social media posts will be epic.
Make no mistake, The Keep is a 200-acre mountain golf course. It will be massive and will be capable of being played at 7,800 yards by utilizing a “ribbon tee box” approach. Utilizing a “ribbon tee box” is a unique approach and allows for minimal use of a traditional tee box. This operational technique will enable McLemore to adjust up to 100 yards or more on some holes to account for changes in playing conditions. Additionally, it mixes up the appearances of holes on a day to day basis.
The golf course will feature 90 acres of Stadium zoysia mainly in the fairways, bentgrass greens and natural areas of fine fescues and broom sedge grasses. The kicker? It will be walkable. (Yes, you read that correctly.)
Accessibility is important as The Keep is being built as a golf destination. Cue “Cloudland.” Cloudland will be a Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel is 2,000 feet above sea level and overlooks McLemore Cove. Eastern-facing rooms can catch glimpses of The Keep in the distance. There will be 245 rooms, a 20,000-square-foot conference center and a world-class spa and fitness center. It doesn’t stop there, though, and I hope you aren’t afraid of heights. Cloudland will feature a sky bar.
If you are looking for your next golf trip, circle The Keep at McLemore. You will not regret it. Both The Keep and Cloudland are on schedule to open in 2024.
The vision, the passion and the excitement are evident from top to bottom with the individuals involved in this special project. The hope is that The Keep can eventually host a major tournament. Only time will tell but they are off to an impressive start.
Amenities and Accessibility
McLemore offers numerous amenities to satisfy the non-golfer or serve as a respite from golf. The entire area is rich with outdoor activities: caving, rock climbing, waterfalls, trails, even hang gliding. It is an outdoorsman’s heaven.
The Highland’s pro shop is fully stocked with quality apparel and accessories. Some of their premier offerings include FootJoy, Johnnie-O and RLX Golf (Polo Ralph Lauren). Holderness & Bourne (GG’s favorite) and Greyson Clothiers enhance the inventory. And, before I forget, a shout-out to Shane and Stephen for the MyGolfSpy Golf Ball recommendation print-out in the golf shop. Never forget: Power to the player!
Throughout this, you may be thinking: How can this rural, mountaintop golf resort be a desirable destination? Well, business is healthy and growing rapidly. McLemore is within two hours of five major markets: Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham and Huntsville. To top it off, it’s only about a half-hour drive from Chattanooga.
Nature’s Gift
Hearing the story, seeing the process and anticipating the completion of The Keep is where I am. Everyone associated with this impressive project exudes excitement and positivity: Duane Horton, Bill Bergin, Rees Jones, Charlie Rymer and all the others.
Witnessing the Highlands and visualizing The Keep has me just as excited and positive.
Can man improve on nature’s gift? If he can, the proof is evident at McLemore.
Rich Roberts
6 months ago
Great article Mr Bishop. I noted your use of the word “ plethora”. One of my favs. What is the cost to play and can you walk? What type fairway and green grass at the Mac? R2