McLemore Resort has had a busy 2024 with many milestones met and accolades received throughout the year. Starting on Leap Day with a ribbon cutting for Cloudland at McLemore Resort and grand opening celebrations in May, followed by the much-anticipated preview play launch of The Keep, the newest 18-hole course on the property, there has been much to celebrate atop Lookout Mountain this year.
The doors of the 245-room Cloudland at McLemore Resort, a Curio Collection by Hilton property were officially opened to its first guests in February, a major step in the development of Lookout Mountain's luxury golf resort. The property also features 20,000 square feet of event space, a cliff-edge pool, a restorative spa, and multiple dining options, including Auld Alliance, Croft, The Pocket Café, and Skyside. Cloudland’s Selah Spa provides a relaxing welcome to those who’ve experienced a day on the links or hikes throughout Lookout Mountain.
In 2024, Cloudland at McLemore welcomed guests from fourteen countries, including Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE. Visitors from 49 of the 50 states made their way to the Lookout Mountain resort as well.
The Keep at McLemore is the newest 18-hole, 479-acre, golf course spanning over one mile of the eastern cliff edge of Lookout Mountain. The Keep promises to be one of the most scenic courses in the Southeast, adding a new level of natural beauty and challenge to the game of golf.
“It's got a little bit of a Torrey Pines feel about it. Obviously, Pebble Beach has been compared, as has Old Head in Ireland. But I think what we're going to find is, at some point, The Keep becomes the bar where everything else is now being compared to this,” said course designer Rees Jones.
In addition to the many milestones McLemore Resort has hit this year, they have also received many accolades. Links Magazine recently named McLemore’s Highlands Course as one of the “Top 10 Georgia Courses You Can Play,” along with Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Sea Island at St. Simons Island, and others. The Highlands Course was ranked number three on the list of “best public-access and private golf courses in Georgia” by Golfweek in July, and the 18th hole of the Highlands Course was honored as the 22nd Best Hole in America by Golf Digest. In November, McLemore’s Highlands Course was named among Pebble Peach, Pacific Dunes, and TPC Sawgrass as the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” by Golf Magazine.
The Keep at McLemore was featured on the cover of the October 2024 issue of Golf Course Architecture Magazine and was also named as a “golf course to prioritize playing in 2025” by Bloomberg.
McLemore Resort received recognition from HGTV on their list of “Best Mountain Town Resorts” this year, and Cloudland at McLemore Resort also recently garnered another top ranking by making the roster of Georgia’s Top 25 List by Atlanta Business Chronicle.
McLemore Resort was also recently named “#1 Best Trip in 2025” in the 2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide. The Travel Guide noted, “Cloudland at McLemore Resort has a wide range of activities for every age and interest. From the Songwriter’s Series to Creature Connections with wildlife to holiday events and more, this picturesque Georgia getaway offers fun additions to your family’s vacation.” McLemore Resort’s Songwriter’s Series takes place monthly from May through October and engages audiences with performances by a diverse offering of artists sharing the stories behind songs loved throughout the years.
“2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and achievement for McLemore Resort. We’ve reached significant milestones, all while staying true to our commitment to excellence and luxury,” said Duane Horton, president of Scenic Land Company. “The accolades and recognition we’ve received this year are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team. We are deeply appreciative of the support from our guests, partners, members, and the community. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on our successes and delivering even more unforgettable experiences in the future."
McLemore is set for an exciting 2025 as well, with more growth on the horizon for 2025. As the new year quickly approaches, Scenic Land Company has begun clearing land to make way for the future member pool, along with new tennis and pickleball courts. Additionally, the much-anticipated Garden & Gun home project is now underway and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025.