McLemore Club is a premier mountaintop golf resort perched 2,300 feet above sea level on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, featuring two championship courses designed by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, luxury accommodations at the Cloudland hotel, and multiple membership and stay-and-play options for golfers of all access levels.
Whether you're considering membership, planning a golf vacation, or exploring real estate opportunities, this guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing one of the Southeast's most acclaimed golf destinations.
What Makes McLemore Club Stand Out
You'll find McLemore perched on Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, Georgia, sitting at 2,300 feet above sea level with commanding views of McLemore Cove that stretch up to 70 miles on clear days.
The location puts you 45 minutes from Chattanooga and roughly two hours from Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Huntsville—accessible enough for weekend trips but remote enough to feel like an escape.
The property's current iteration represents one of the most significant golf developments to emerge in the Southeast over the past decade.
What started as Canyon Ridge Golf Club in 2005 underwent a complete transformation after Scenic Land Company, led by President Duane Horton, purchased it in 2017.
The vision went far beyond a simple renovation—they rebuilt the entire experience from the ground up.
The name itself carries historical weight. John McLemore, a Cherokee Chief and U.S. Army Captain during the War of 1812, named the cove after visiting his ancestors in the Scottish Highlands.
Legend has it the dramatic terrain and sweeping vistas reminded him so much of his homeland that he chose to honor both places with the same name.
The Golf Experience: Highlands, The Keep, and The Cairn
The Highlands Course
Rees Jones and Bill Bergin completely reimagined what was here before, and the par-71, 7,055-yard layout that opened in October 2019 plays unlike anything else in the region.
The course divides into three distinct personalities that showcase different aspects of mountain golf.
The Canyon Holes wind through dense forests with ancient boulders and natural rock formations, featuring the kind of dramatic elevation changes that make your calves burn.
The Highland Holes sit atop the plateau and play more like traditional parkland golf, though with distant views that remind you where you are.
The Cliff Holes deliver the signature stretch, culminating in what Golf Digest named the “Best Finishing Hole in America Since 2000.”
That 18th hole deserves its reputation.
This par-4 runs entirely along the cliff edge, perched on a previously inaccessible ledge more than 1,000 feet above the valley floor—they built it specifically for the redesign when the new clubhouse location was established.
Golf Digest ranks it the 22nd best hole in the country, while Golf Magazine places it among the top 10 finishing holes globally.
Other standouts include the reachable par-5 first, the uphill par-4 ninth, and the controversial par-5 sixth that drops 100 feet between shots.
Some call it one of the strangest holes in golf.
The course stays closed on Tuesdays except for special events, with green fees starting around $225.
The Keep
The newest addition officially opened October 1, 2025, and it plays nothing like the Highlands.
Jones and Bergin created a par-72 headlands-style course stretching over 7,700 yards from the back tees, located 1.5 miles from the main entrance on a 200-acre plateau.
Five holes run directly along the eastern rim of Lookout Mountain, giving you over a mile of cliff-edge golf.
The design philosophy emphasizes “playing it as it lies” with minimal earth movement, working with natural rock outcroppings and terrain features instead of reshaping the land.
The fairways total over 70 acres—compare that to the typical 25 to 30 acres at most courses—creating wide-open playing corridors that contrast sharply with the Highlands' tighter, more forested character.
The Keep also features the first U.S. installation of Stadium Zoysia grass in the fairways.
Standout moments include the par-3 eighth with its “infinity green” perched above the cove, the par-5 15th where massive rock formations bisect the fairway, and the amphitheater-style par-4 17th set among natural limestone walls.
An eight-minute shuttle transports you from the main clubhouse to The Keep's facilities.
During preview play, it's walking-only, though the back nine includes significant elevation changes.
Green fees run around $375, with caddies required at an additional cost.
The Cairn Short Course
Bill Bergin designed this six-hole layout adjacent to the clubhouse on land that previously housed the old 18th fairway.
It serves multiple purposes—warming up before your round, practicing your short game, or providing a quick golf experience for families and beginners.
The course overlooks the dramatic 18th hole of the Highlands and offers genuine strategic challenges despite its more relaxed format.
Where to Stay at McLemore
Cloudland at McLemore Resort
The Curio Collection by Hilton hotel opened in March 2024 as the first hotel built on Lookout Mountain since the Great Depression.
Cloudland features 245 guest rooms including 19 to 21 suites, all designed with elevated finishes like leather headboards, custom furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing either mountain or valley views.
The rooms display botanical photography from Kim Hubbard, a former National Geographic photographer based in Chattanooga.
The contemporary mountain aesthetic incorporates natural materials—stone and wood with deep blue color palettes throughout—while modern amenities include tea and coffee makers, work desks, and premium bathrooms.
The property offers over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it suitable for weddings, conferences, and corporate retreats.
Valet parking runs $43 per night. The hotel accepts pets and provides electric vehicle charging stations.
Golf Cottages
Four cottages sit next to the driving range, each with four spacious bedrooms containing two queen beds, four full bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens with granite counters.
Living and dining areas flow into back porches with fire pits.
These cottages comfortably accommodate 8 to 10 guests and deliver a home-like atmosphere after long days on the course.
Residential Homes and Villas
Stay and Play guests can book fully furnished residential homes scattered throughout McLemore's neighborhoods.
These properties range from accommodating 2 to 8 guests and include full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, living spaces, and outdoor areas.
They offer more privacy and space when you're traveling with larger groups or families.
Dining and Amenities Beyond Golf
Five Dining Venues
The Creag sits inside the McLemore Clubhouse at 2,300 feet above sea level, serving elevated comfort food inspired by Scottish heritage.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of McLemore Cove, while exposed beams and stone accents create a rustic atmosphere.
The seasonal menu features craft cocktails, fine spirits, and wines. Hours vary: Sunday 8am-10pm, Monday-Tuesday 11am-10pm, Wednesday-Thursday 8am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm for the kitchen and until 11pm for the bar. Call (706) 620-0158 for reservations.
Auld Alliance represents the flagship fine dining experience and the first U.S. establishment to fuse Scottish and French cuisines.
Located at Cloudland hotel, this cliff-edge restaurant offers panoramic cove views alongside French Country cuisine with Scottish influences—think rack of lamb, dry-aged ribeye, and fresh scallops.
Open Tuesday through Saturday 5pm-10pm.
Reservations through OpenTable are strongly recommended, with pricing reflecting the fine dining experience.
Croft takes its name from small Scottish farms and serves American fare designed around a high-country picnic aesthetic.
The focus stays on simple, fresh ingredients in a casual yet refined atmosphere.
You'll find both indoor and outdoor seating inside Cloudland hotel.
The Pocket Café handles your coffee needs with freshly brewed coffee, croissants, sandwiches, and healthy snacks from 6am-4pm.
The menu shifts to cocktails and snacks from 4pm-7pm, making it perfect for a quick stop before your round or afternoon refreshments with mountain views.
Skyside operates as the poolside lounge at Cloudland's cliffside infinity pool, serving craft cocktails and light fare against panoramic mountain views.
It's particularly well-suited for sunset drinks.
Wellness and Recreation
Selah Spa offers the full range—massages, facials, body wraps, and body treatments—plus hydrotherapy areas, saunas, and a cold deluge shower. The philosophy centers on rest, regeneration, and pausing from daily stresses.
The 24-hour fitness center includes a Peloton studio, group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and strength training equipment.
Weekly wellness programs cover yoga, spin classes, and conditioning clinics.
The heated infinity pool provides dramatic cliff-edge views with seamless visual connection to the sky and mountains.
Adjacent hot tubs offer year-round relaxation, with Skyside bar service keeping drinks close at hand.
Beyond the Resort
Five miles of hiking trails wind through the resort grounds, complemented by tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a swimming pool at West Village (open May 1 through September 30).
The resort provides mountain bike rentals, stargazing equipment, and guides for outdoor adventures.
The surrounding area opens up even more options.
Cloudland Canyon State Park sits 11 miles away, Rock City is 19 miles out, Lula Lake Land Trust is 14 miles distant, and Chickamauga National Military Park lies 25 miles from the property.
Over 50 trailheads in the area give you access to hiking and mountain biking, while nearby activities include rock climbing, spelunking, hang gliding, paragliding, and road cycling on the famous climbing routes around Lookout Mountain.
Membership Options and Stay & Play Packages
Full Membership Access
Full Resident Membership is exclusive to property owners within the McLemore community.
You get unlimited green fees on both the Highlands and Cairn courses, preferred tee times, practice facility access, and special pricing on cart fees and merchandise.
Family privileges extend to your spouse and descendants up to age 34.
Accompanied guests receive 50% off green fees, while unaccompanied guests get 80% off.
Initiation runs $10,000-$25,000 with annual dues of $5,000-$10,000.
Full Non-Resident Membership offers identical privileges and pricing but opens access to non-property owners.
Social Membership focuses on clubhouse dining and amenities with limited golf access.
You get 50% off published green fees with some restrictions, accompanied guests pay 80% of published rates, and family privileges extend to your spouse and descendants up to age 25.
Resort-wide discounts cover dining, merchandise, spa services, and hotel bookings.
The Keep Memberships
The Keep National Membership limits enrollment to 100 individuals living more than 200 miles from the club.
For a $50,000 initiation and $3,000 annual fee, you receive full access to The Keep course, preferred tee times, advanced booking windows, unlimited practice facility access, special rates on the Highlands Course, invitations to signature events, and exclusive rates on lodging, dining, spa, and pro shop purchases.
Privileges extend to spouses, children, their spouses, and grandchildren up to age 25 when accompanied.
The Keep Equity Investor Memberships came in three tiers for founding investors: Royalty Founding Investor Member (limited to 25) with preferred access, no annual dues, and royalty returns on paid guest rounds; Equity Founding Investor Member (limited to 50) with similar benefits; and Equity The Keep Investor Member (first 50) with preferred access.
All equity memberships include unlimited member and guest booking, with spouses and children under 25 playing at no additional green fee.
Friends of McLemore
This complimentary program requires no initiation fees or monthly dues.
You receive one tee time per season on the Highlands (four rounds annually total), can book up to three guests per round, get online tee time booking access, access to the Cairn short course and practice facilities, access to play The Keep with appropriate fees, priority invitations to special events including the annual Friends Open tournament, and dining privileges at The Creag.
Join online at themclemore.com or call (800) 329-8154.
Stay & Play Options
Three packages cater to different golf ambitions:
Standard Stay & Play runs $350-$450 per person per night for double occupancy on weekdays, or $450-$500 for single occupancy.
You get accommodations, one round on the Highlands per person, unlimited access to the Cairn short course and putting course, and practice facility access on play days.
The Multi-Course Package spreads two nights and two rounds across both the Highlands and The Keep for $365 per person per night (double occupancy weekdays) or $450 per person per night (single occupancy weekdays).
Caddies are required for The Keep at additional cost.
The Keep Golf Package focuses a single night on The Keep experience for $400 per golfer (double occupancy weekdays) or $500 per golfer (single occupancy weekdays).
Starting January 1, 2026, a Stay & Play Resort fee of $30-$100 based on seasonality and property includes West Village tennis and pickleball court access, West Village pool access from May 1 through September 30, driving range access with range balls, Cairn short course access, and putting course access.
Planning Your Visit to McLemore
Getting There and Key Contacts
McLemore sits at 32 Clubhouse Lane, Rising Fawn, GA 30738. The main phone line is (800) 329-8154, while Cloudland Hotel operates at (888) 391-1148.
Reach The Creag Restaurant at (706) 620-0158 or email Stay & Play inquiries to stayandplay@mclemoreclub.com.
Drive times place you 2.5 hours from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (150 miles), 45 minutes from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and roughly two hours from Nashville, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
The mountain roads feature winding ascents with elevation gains exceeding 1,000 feet—popular enough with sports car enthusiasts that Porsche of Chattanooga offers a special “Mountain Driving” package.
When to Go
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) represent peak seasons with moderate temperatures and spectacular foliage.
Book these months well in advance due to high demand. Summer brings hot, humid conditions but longer daylight hours for extended rounds.
Winter offers fewer crowds and potentially lower rates, though weather at elevation can be unpredictable.
Recognition and Credentials
The 18th hole on the Highlands Course earned Golf Digest's designation as “Best Finishing Hole in America Since 2000” and ranks 22nd among the best holes in the country.
LINKS Magazine places it in the top 10 finishing holes globally.
The resort itself appears in Golf Digest's Top 50 Premier Golf Resorts in the U.S. and GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses.
Outside Magazine voted the Chattanooga area the best town to live for two consecutive years.
The design pedigree runs deep. Rees Jones has designed or redesigned over 225 courses worldwide, including seven U.S. Open venues, eight PGA Championship courses, and five Ryder Cup sites.
Bill Bergin played in over 250 professional tournaments—including three U.S. Opens and two British Opens—before transitioning to design, where he's completed over 120 projects globally.
Real Estate Options
Property ownership opens additional pathways into the McLemore experience.
Golf Village Homes offer 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residences of approximately 1,925 square feet between holes 16 and 17. Clubhouse Lane Homes from Arthur Rutenberg Homes range from 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.
Custom home sites provide over 200 design options on golf course frontage, canyon ridge properties, and forested settings.
Prospective buyers can explore through the McLemore Discovery Experience—a 3-day, 2-night package including deluxe accommodations, a round for two on the Highlands, and a $50 dining credit at The Creag.
Conclusion
McLemore delivers a complete mountain golf experience that extends well beyond the courses themselves.
The combination of championship layouts, luxury accommodations, and genuine mountaintop seclusion sets it apart from typical resort destinations.
Contact the team directly to discuss which membership tier or Stay & Play package aligns with your goals.
