Great Walks: 7 Reasons McLemore’s The Keep Is the Golf Destination You’ll Never Want to Leave

Perched high on Lookout Mountain in Georgia, McLemore’s The Keep offers something special that most golf courses simply can’t match. This stunning course combines breathtaking mountain views with world-class golf design, creating an experience that stays with you long after your final putt. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just love beautiful places, The Keep delivers an unforgettable adventure that makes leaving feel nearly impossible.

1. Breathtaking Mountain Views That Will Leave You Speechless

Breathtaking Mountain Views That Will Leave You Speechless
© linksmagazine

Standing 2,300 feet above sea level, The Keep offers some of the most spectacular golf views in America. Five holes run directly along cliff edges, giving you front-row seats to sweeping vistas of McLemore Cove and Pigeon Mountain.

Every swing comes with a postcard-perfect backdrop that makes even bad shots feel worth it. The mountain ridgelines stretch endlessly in every direction, creating natural drama that changes with the light throughout your round.

Many golfers find themselves pausing mid-swing just to soak in the scenery that rivals famous coastal courses.

2. World-Class Design That Challenges Every Skill Level

World-Class Design That Challenges Every Skill Level
© Forbes

Bill Bergin and Rees Jones crafted something truly special when they designed The Keep. These legendary architects created wide fairways and large greens that welcome beginners while hiding strategic challenges that test scratch golfers.

Smart bunkering and multiple approach angles mean you can play your own game without feeling overwhelmed. The course rewards good thinking as much as good swing mechanics.

Each hole offers different ways to succeed, making every round feel like a new puzzle to solve rather than the same test repeated eighteen times.

3. Natural Water Features Create Unforgettable Drama

Natural Water Features Create Unforgettable Drama
© LINKS Magazine

Five mountain streams converge throughout The Keep, creating multiple waterfalls that add both beauty and excitement to your round. These aren’t artificial water hazards – they’re genuine mountain streams that have carved this landscape for centuries.

The 11th tee showcases one of the most dramatic water features, where cascading falls create one of inland golf’s most memorable tee shots. The sound of rushing water accompanies many holes, adding a peaceful soundtrack to your game.

These natural elements make each hole feel like part of the mountain ecosystem rather than imposed upon it.

4. Surprisingly Walkable Despite Mountain Setting

Surprisingly Walkable Despite Mountain Setting
© Observer

Most mountain courses punish walkers with steep climbs and exhausting elevation changes. The Keep breaks this rule completely, featuring only 500 feet of total elevation change across its entire 5-mile layout.

Clever routing keeps the walking comfortable while still delivering those incredible mountain views. You can actually enjoy a walking round without needing oxygen breaks between holes.

This thoughtful design means you can experience the course the way golf was meant to be played – on foot, at your own pace, fully connected to the natural environment around you.

5. Luxury Amenities Beyond Your Wildest Golf Dreams

Luxury Amenities Beyond Your Wildest Golf Dreams
© The Local Palate

The adjacent Cloudland Resort transforms your golf trip into a complete luxury escape. This 245-room resort features a 20,000-square-foot conference center, world-class spa, and multiple dining venues that rival big-city restaurants.

Auld Alliance, Croft, The Pocket Café, and Skyside each offer unique dining experiences that celebrate both local flavors and international cuisine. The spa and fitness center help you recover from those long mountain rounds.

Everything you need for a perfect golf getaway exists within walking distance of the first tee, eliminating any reason to leave this mountain paradise.

6. Year-Round Golf in Georgia’s Perfect Climate

Year-Round Golf in Georgia's Perfect Climate
© GolfWRX

Georgia’s mild mountain climate means The Keep never really closes for weather. Spring brings wildflower blooms that carpet the mountainsides in color, while summer offers long days of perfect golf weather.

Fall transforms the surrounding forests into a blazing tapestry of reds and golds that makes every hole feel like a nature painting. Even winter rounds are possible, with crisp air and clear mountain views that summer humidity often obscures.

Each season offers its own unique beauty, giving you four completely different golf experiences throughout the year on the same incredible course.

7. An Exclusive Community You’ll Dream of Joining

An Exclusive Community You'll Dream of Joining
© McLemore Resort

The Keep isn’t just a golf course – it’s the centerpiece of an exclusive residential and membership community where serious golfers create lasting friendships. Limited membership options, including Royalty and Equity Founding Investor levels, ensure an intimate, uncrowded experience.

Members enjoy preferred tee times, exclusive events, and the chance to be part of golf history in the making. The community atmosphere feels more like joining a family than simply buying access to a course.

Environmental stewardship remains a core value, preserving natural areas and mountain wetlands that make this place truly special for generations to come.

Publish Date: August 12, 2025

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