8.36

McLemore Resort (Highlands)

Course info

ACCESS
Resort
EST.
2005
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
180
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
71
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10.2
City
Rising Fawn

Score

8.36
Design
40%
8.7
Conditions
25%
7.8
Desirability
15%
8.1
Scenery
10%
9.2
Fun
5%
8.4
Uniqueness
5%
7.9

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 140

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10.2

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
145
$
180
$
215
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

The 18th hole is ranked among the Top 100 Holes in America by Golf Digest and is known for its jaw-dropping cliffside setting.

About

McLemore Resort's Highlands Course is a dramatic cliff-edge par 71 layout on Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Redesigned by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, the course features a variety of challenging holes with memorable elevation changes, spectacular vistas, and carefully reworked green complexes. The course offers six tee boxes and blends natural beauty with strategic golf.

Caddie Tip

Conservative play off the tee benefits many holes here—especially the par 4s with elevation change and cliffside danger. Avoid going long over greens, as recoveries can be extremely challenging. Use a rangefinder with slope to select clubs wisely, and favor accuracy over distance throughout your round.

The Main Challenge

The toughest aspect of McLemore Highlands is navigating the dramatic elevation changes combined with cliffside hazards. Strategic shot selection is crucial on holes where missing left or long introduces steep drop-offs, and several risk-reward opportunities on canyon holes will test even skilled players’ nerves and execution.

The Good

Golfers consistently rave about the awe-inspiring mountain views and variety of holes, highlighted by the finishing stretch along the cliff edge. The exceptional scenery combined with a thoughtful design delivers a visually unforgettable and highly enjoyable golf experience that stands out even among other mountain layouts.

The Not So Good

Some guests express concerns about the rugged terrain making walking difficult for most and occasional isolated conditioning issues after heavy weather. Others hope for continued investments in practice areas and additional refinement of certain green complexes and approach areas.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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The par 4 18th at McLemore Highlands is perched on a cliff edge with a 440-yard challenge from the back tees. A left miss risks a sheer drop down the mountain, and the panoramic scenery is both breathtaking and a distraction for every approach—making it one of America’s most dramatic finishing holes.

Clubhouse

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The new clubhouse features panoramic mountain vistas from the restaurant and bar, spacious locker rooms, a pro shop, lounge areas, and event spaces. Dining is full-service, with upscale offerings, and golfers enjoy a comfortable post-round social environment.

Practice Facilities

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The facility includes a driving range, short game area, and practice putting green, all set with mountain views. While sizable and maintained, there is interest in further enhancements comparable to elite clubs. Instruction and club fitting are available by staff professionals.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Georgia
U.S.A.