ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
The Keep boasts over a mile of uninterrupted cliff-edge golf, offering 70-mile views and one of the most dramatic bowl-shaped amphitheater settings in American golf.
About
The Keep Course at McLemore Resort, designed by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, sits atop Lookout Mountain offering one of the most visually stunning golf experiences in the U.S. Cliff-edge fairways, mountain plateau vistas, and preserved wetlands combine to create a strategic, memorable layout that rewards precise play while immersed in natural scenery.
Caddie Tip
The Keep’s dramatic elevation changes and bold green complexes reward conservative play—aim for the center of greens and keep drives below the wind on exposed holes. Pay attention to cliff-side hole locations, where wind can shift shots dramatically. Many approach shots play deceptively uphill or downhill, so trust yardages and ask your caddie for help reading greens.
The Main Challenge
The toughest aspect of The Keep is its combination of wind-exposed cliff-edge holes and elevation changes. Precision with distance control is crucial, especially on approach shots to perched, firm greens. Tee shots hugging the mountain edge require courage and skill—a mistake left or right can quickly escalate into a big number.
The Good
Golfers rave about The Keep's breathtaking cliff-edge holes and 70-mile panoramic views that make every round a visual spectacle. The isolation from homes, the amphitheater-shaped landscape, and the strategic use of the plateau’s natural features deliver a unique golfing adventure that is as memorable as it is challenging.
The Not So Good
Some players report that the youth of the course means bunkers and native vegetation are still maturing, with certain fairways playing firmer than expected. Limited shade and occasional wind gusts on the cliffside can add to playing difficulty, making it less forgiving for those not accustomed to mountain golf.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The par-4 18th at The Keep is perched along the cliff’s edge with breathtaking mountain and valley vistas. The tee shot demands both precision and nerve, setting up an approach to a green framed by natural rock outcroppings and fall-away slopes. The panoramic setting makes for a dramatic finish unrivaled anywhere in inland golf.
Clubhouse
Guests enjoy a modern clubhouse with panoramic windows, a well-stocked golf shop, premium locker rooms, and upscale dining with cliffside views. Additional amenities include personalized caddie service, lounge areas, and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces overlooking signature holes.
Practice Facilities
The Keep provides a full grass range, a dedicated short game area, and a spacious putting green, all set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Practice areas are maintained to the same high standards as the course, offering an ideal warm-up for guests and members.
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.
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