Just under two hours north of Atlanta lies a mountaintop escape where ambition, heritage, and hospitality converge into one unforgettable experience: McLemore Resort. Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, McLemore is not just a destination—it’s a revelation for those who crave the soul of the sport and the spirit of luxury. McLemore invites you to rise above the everyday and reconnect with what matters most, from championship-level golf to a serene spa, soaring views, and world-class service.
Golf That Moves You—Literally and Spiritually
Not just a course, but two of them: The Highlands and the soon-to-be-unveiled The Keep, each distinct and designed with intention. The Highlands course, renowned for its cliffside 18th hole—repeatedly named one of the top 20 finishing holes in the world—is a strategic marvel. Meanwhile, The Keep is in preview play, with its formal debut set for August 2025. It has already drawn national acclaim, fueling global intrigue.
Crafted by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, The Keep represents a new chapter in course architecture: vast, windswept, and breathtaking. Utilizing the natural topography, it balances challenge and accessibility, featuring wide fairways, elevated tees, and a layout that rewards strategic play. “We call it an aspirational golf experience,” says EVP Charlie Rymer, a two-time All-American at Georgia Tech and former PGA Tour pro. “It’s designed to test the best and welcome newcomers with open arms.”
The course’s turf also reflects McLemore’s bold innovation. The Keep is the first full-course in the world to feature Stadium Zoysia—a luxury turf renowned for its exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. “The ball sits up like it’s on a tee,” Rymer notes. “It’s beautiful to look at and a dream to play.”
Rymer, who has played and broadcast golf around the globe, helped shape The Keep’s strategic design. “You’re not on an Easter egg hunt for your ball,” he adds. “You’re constantly making decisions that are exciting and thoughtful.”
The Great Reveal: More Than Just Golf
At Cloudland Hotel, guests are greeted with “The Great Reveal”—a grand entry that opens to a sweeping vista of McLemore Cove, a national historic district bordered by Pigeon Mountain. It’s a moment that stops visitors in their tracks.
While golf may be the crown jewel, Cloudland is the soul of the mountain. Opened in 2024 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Cloudland blends comfort, cuisine, and curated experiences. Guests are welcomed into a grand lobby framed by expansive views that seem to pause time.
The hotel has quickly garnered national praise and featured in Southern Living, HGTV, and USA Today, placing it among the Southeast’s most sought-after escapes. Its design is modern yet grounded in the surrounding landscape, inviting guests to rest and indulge.
At the hotel's heart is Auld Alliance, McLemore’s signature dining experience. A tribute to the historic bond between France and Scotland, this upscale restaurant offers a menu that combines European culinary sophistication with Southern warmth. Whether it’s a milestone or a spontaneous weekend, Auld Alliance leaves a lasting impression.
Guests also enjoy The Creag, McLemore’s vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa, a heated cliff-edge infinity pool, and terraces that invite yoga at sunrise or drinks at sunset.
Cloudland is also becoming a premier destination for luxury weddings, private events, and executive retreats. With panoramic views, multiple venues, and a seasoned team, events here feel timeless. One recent wedding saw a bride walk down an aisle framed by wild mountain laurel, with the blue haze of Pigeon Mountain behind her. As vows echoed across the valley and guests toasted beneath the stars at The Creag, it became more than a celebration—it became a memory etched in the mountain.
“We see couples from Atlanta checking in on a Friday,” says Burton. “By Sunday, they feel like they’ve been gone a week. It’s that immersive.”
Even the name McLemore is steeped in heritage. The resort overlooks McLemore Cove, named after the Scottish McLemore family who settled the region in the 1700s and married into the Cherokee Nation. Storyboards in the clubhouse share the life of John McLemore, a Cherokee Chief and war hero. “Our logo is a Celtic cross blended with the bloom of a Cherokee dogwood,” Rymer explains. “It symbolizes our past and the land’s sacred nature.”
The Keep’s name also carries meaning, evoking fortified castles, ancient Christian symbols, and the idea of protecting what matters most. “There’s soul here,” says Burton. “This isn’t just a course or a resort—it’s a place that grounds you.” McLemore’s 20-year plan is shaping a lasting legacy.
Whether driving up for a weekend tee time, booking a romantic escape, or gathering the family for a mountaintop reunion, McLemore offers something rare: space to breathe, beauty to absorb, and an experience to remember.
It’s time to elevate your hospitality experience. It’s time to discover McLemore.
That culture has attracted national attention, with features in Golf Digest, Golfweek, SportsIllustrated, and a visual series from Barstool Sports. “Before The Keep opened,” says Burton, “we were chasing media. Now they’re chasing us.”