Elevated Golfing Experiences and Elite Luxury at the McLemore Resort in the Skies
High up in Georgia's northern reaches, nestled on Lookout Mountain, lies the one-of-a-kind golf haven, Cloudland at McLemore Resort. The resort sits atop the worn-down, ancient mountain that's been whittled down by erosion over millions of years, offering a unique blend of golf and luxury accommodations that stand out in the mountain golf scene, a genre that can often be divisive among golf enthusiasts.
Back in 2019, McLemore brought on board the renowned golf course architect, Rees Jones, and Georgia native, Bill Bergin, to revamp a course previously known as Canyon Ridge, which had launched in 2005 and boasted multiple holes perched on cliff edges. With the arrival of these two men and their masterful touch, McLemore's first course, the Highlands, was born.
The Highlands plays to a par of 71 and can stretch out to 7,005 yards, offering plenty of options for golfers of all skill levels. What sets the Highlands apart from other mountain golf courses is the diverse mix of holes it provides.
You'll find canyon holes that are considered among the most challenging on the course, featuring deciduous forests, natural areas, and boulders shaping these holes on the eastern side of Lookout Mountain. These canyon holes also offer dramatic elevation changes that are both scenic and challenging for even the most skilled player.
Most of the holes in the Highlands sit atop Lookout Mountain and play like typical golf courses, but with one striking difference – jaw-dropping views of the surrounding valleys. Part of playing the Highlands course is taking a step back and soaking in the beauty of nature while slowing down the pace of life as you make your way through this section of the course.
The 18th hole, in particular, is the showstopper of the Highlands course, with its dogleg-left along the cliff edge. The fairway here slopes from right-to-left, towards the cliff edge and McLemore Cove, providing a finishing hole that's both visually stunning and a tough challenge. Regarded as one of the best finishing holes in America, it's the perfect way to round off a game at the Highlands course.
Bill Bergin, the course architect, put it best when he said, "The blending of natural beauty with a mental and physical challenge makes golf the greatest game. The Keep is the epitome of that union." These words perfectly encapsulate the experience at the Keep.
Resting atop Lookout Mountain, the Keep can be described as a mountainous plain. The course plays through gently rolling holes, offering golfers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of the most dramatic natural spectator courses in the world. It is described by Bergin as a "479-acre amphitheater, with the course as the stage and the view as the backdrop."
Rock features are prevalent throughout the golf course, defining and shaping some of the holes without interfering with play. The 17th hole, for instance, showcases rock outcroppings that form a natural surround for the green complex, creating a citadel around the sides and back of the green.
Wind is always a factor when playing atop a mountain, but at the Keep, generous fairways more than 60 yards wide in many areas, along with large greens featuring ridges and tiers, help guide well-placed shots closer to the hole.
From the first hole, the size and scale of the Keep are awe-inspiring. The approach shot to the first green has to carry a deep gorge that sits at the end of the fairway, giving you a sense of the grandeur of the land at the Keep. Hole after hole, the magnitude and scale of the Keep are breathtaking. If you were to close your eyes and imagine the most scenic golf course on a mountain you could think of, it would essentially be the Keep. While it's incredibly walkable and the views are breathtaking, don't let this natural beauty fool you – the Keep will challenge even the best golfers.
The course can be stretched out to 7,800 yards, and strong winds can make even the best ball strikers sweat. Rees Jones, who collaborated with Bergin on the project, commented, "Be sure to bring two things – your A-game and a camera."
The Keep offers five holes that play along the cliff edges, with errant shots taking their leave on the valley below. One incredible feature of the Keep is that due to the amphitheater shape of the property, you can see the majority of the golf course from almost every location while playing, making it one of the most memorable courses you'll ever play.
While playing, you'll be fully immersed in nature as the Keep has natural streams running through it, which also provide irrigation to the golf course. Preserving nature is a key focus at the property, with mountain wetlands and natural areas being preserved. The Keep truly is a perfect blend of golf and nature in a majestic setting.
If you're looking for a quick, fun round with the family, McLemore has that covered too with the Cairn, a six-hole short course situated just north of the clubhouse and overlooking the dramatic 18th hole of the Highlands course. The Cairn is perfect for practicing your short game or for settling bets that may not have been fully resolved on one of McLemore's championship courses. The stunning views of this little course are definitely worth your time and attention.
Cloudland at McLemore Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, also offers a variety of ways to relax and unwind in one of the most serene settings in the country. Whether you're there for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or business meetings, McLemore has options to accommodate everyone.
Besides golf, you can engage in a range of outdoor activities to satisfy your sense of adventure. Take a hike through Cloudland Canyon State Park, go rock climbing or zip-lining, and for the truly adventurous, hang-gliding and skydiving are available to get your adrenaline pumping.
If relaxation is what you're after, McLemore offers one of the most scenic infinity pools you'll find, right at the cliff edge of Lookout Mountain. Here, you can unwind with a drink and take in the breathtaking view.
The Skyside lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with stunning scenery and a panoramic view of the valley below, making it the perfect spot for socializing with family and friends. In the spa at McLemore, you can forget about life for a while and let your mind, body, and soul rejuvenate with a variety of treatments designed to help you unwind.
A variety of dining options are available at the resort to cater to almost anyone's palate. Croft offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a simple yet refined setting, with food that's just as refined as the setting. Auld Alliance provides an upscale dining experience, featuring a team of culinary artists who bring French cuisine to the table while you enjoy stunning views at the cliff edge.
The Creag offers a seasonal dining menu, as well as craft cocktails, beer, and wine from around the world, paired with exceptional dining. The Pocket Cafe is the coffee shop on the property, where you can enjoy a variety of beverages and pastries to start your day at the resort. The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning while overlooking the scenic valley below is an invigorating way to begin a day filled with golf or other activities at the resort.
Whether you're golfing all day or enjoying the many amenities McLemore Resort has to offer, nothing beats returning to a beautiful room for a good night's sleep to rejuvenate your body and mind for the next day. McLemore offers a great mix of traditional rooms with thoughtful designs and breathtaking views to larger suites with expansive layouts and private bedrooms, ensuring there's a room to meet your needs at McLemore Resort.
- The luxury accommodations at McLemore Resort, overlooking the breathtaking Highlands course, offer an unparalleled blend of sports, travel, and lifestyle, making it an ideal getaway for golf enthusiasts seeking diverse experiences and scenic beauty.
- After a thrilling round of golf at the Highlands course, one can engage in various outdoor sports like hiking, rock climbing, or zip-lining, or unwind at the resort's infinity pool, spa, or explore the diverse dining options available, all while enjoying the idyllic Georgia golf scene.
