The Highlands Course at McLemore delivers a mountaintop showdown that belongs on any serious golfer’s Southeastern itinerary. With panoramic views, strategic risk-reward stretches, and a closing hole recognized among America's greatest, it's a course that rises above the ordinary.
Rees Jones and Bill Bergin’s Highland Course masterpiece pushes the limits of cliffside design, routing holes atop dramatic mountain ridgelines and stitching together panoramic vistas with clever use of elevation and angles. The 2019 overhaul didn’t just add modern polish; it recalibrated strategy, increased risk-reward moments (especially on the back nine), and shaped the 18th into an iconic closing spectacle. The greens and surrounds were expanded and recontoured, bunkering improved, and fairways widened, ensuring that every stretch takes full advantage of the sky-high setting. This is design that thrills with both beauty and boldness.
Jones and Bergin’s overhaul radically upgraded the routing, strategy, and visual character, elevating the course into a premier mountain-resort experience.
A daunting par 3 playing over a dramatic valley, where mountain winds swirl and only a precisely struck long iron finds the putting surface. Elevation and exposed tee amplify the decision—and the consequences.
Commit to your carry number and pick enough club; the green is sizable but missing right or short brings bogey or worse.
Severe wind and steep drop-offs punish any mishit or indecision.
Resort conditioning with firm, fast, beautifully maintained surfaces year-round.
Laid-back resort luxury, friendly and welcoming but with a sense of golfing occasion, especially on the cliffside holes.
Mountain gusts can play havoc with club selection—expect full-club swings to vary by more than usual.
Even with a cart, you’ll traverse plenty of slopes and elevation; some stamina and comfortable shoes go a long way.
A conservative approach especially on closing holes beats bravado; plot your strategy and stay below the hole when possible.
Opened as Canyon Ridge
Comprehensive renovation by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin; rebranded as The Highlands Course
Entered America's 100 Greatest Public (Golf Digest, No. 99)
Ranked No. 23 in Georgia by Golf Digest
Ranked No. 3 public in Georgia by Golfweek
18th hole named 22nd-best in America by Golf Digest
Cliffside drama peaks at the 18th, where the tee shot stares straight into blue sky and sheer drop. Golf Digest, club lore, and thousands of photos have immortalized this edge-of-the-world moment as one of America’s most adrenaline-charged finishes.
When Rees Jones and Bill Bergin reimagined the old Canyon Ridge, they didn’t just update bunkers—they revamped the entire playing experience. The result: cleaner angles, grander vistas, and a course now seen as a must-play Southern destination.
The wind dances across Lookout Mountain, turning club selection into a chess match on each exposed hole. Especially on par 3s and the back-nine, it’s a test that separates shot-makers from the hopeful.
After the 2019 renovation, the strategy shifted from mere survival to bold decision-making. Lay up or go for it? Play safe or chase glory on the bluff? Golfers are rewarded for nerve and punished for recklessness—in view of the entire valley.
The 18th is frequently cited as one of America’s most visually intimidating finishing holes.
The course’s cliffside location means you can see three states from certain tee boxes.
The original Canyon Ridge layout was nearly unrecognizable after Jones and Bergin’s 2019 overhaul.
Golf Digest’s panel called the new 18th 'panic-inducing' for its exposure.
Highlands shares its designer with seven U.S. Open venues.
Newest marquee companion to the Highlands—modern challenge, same epic views.
Cult-favorite, minimalist 9-hole with a rabid following—lives up to the hype and contrasts perfectly with McLemore’s grandeur.
Classic old-line club with mountain drama, for those with possible access.
Historic riverfront layout—plenty of Southern tradition and test.
Best muni option in Chattanooga proper if you need a fun, affordable post-round wind-down.
Chattanooga or Lookout Mountain for easy access to both McLemore and downtown attractions.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: The Water's Edge Country Club is a natural next stop after McLemore (The Highlands Course): it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Snead Course at Greenbrier Sporting Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to McLemore (The Highlands Course).
Why it matches: If McLemore (The Highlands Course) is your kind of course, Belgrade Lakes Country Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
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