The Keep, a new cliffside course at McLemore in Georgia, offers early preview play

08/08/2024 14:00

Already home to the highly ranked Highlands Course, McLemore in northwest Georgia will offer limited public-access preview play for its new course, The Keep, starting this fall.

Located near Rising Fawn not far from the Tennessee state line and less than an hour's drive from Chattanooga, McLemore is situated atop a stunning cliff 1,200 feet above McLemore Cove. The par-4 18th hole of the club's original Highlands – ranked No. 3 among Georgia's top public-access courses and among the top 100 resort courses in the U.S. – plays along the cliff with long mountain views and a dizzying drop.

The Keep, designed by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, will offer five such holes along the cliff. Tee times for walking-only preview play can be made by calling 800-329-8154 or emailing stayandplay@mclemoreclub.com. Not all facilities will be open for preview play, as the club has planned the full opening of The Keep in 2025.

"We are thrilled to open the doors to The Keep and welcome our initial guests to experience this incredible golf course for the first time," Duane Horton, president of developer Scenic Land Company, said in a media release announcing the preview opportunity. "This is a landmark occasion on our way to the official opening of The Keep in 2025, and while there is still work to be done, we can't wait to share a glimpse of what we believe will be one of the best golf courses in the country."

The club also runs a Friends of McLemore program, and its enrolled golfers also will have the opportunity to play the Highlands Course as well as The Keep. The club also offers various membership opportunities. It also is home to Cloudland, a Curio Collection by Hilton Resort that opened in 2024 and is perched along the cliff. Guests of the resort have access to both golf courses.

Check out select photos of The Keep as it nears completion below.