In the southeast, there exists a place of golf wonder. Two properties, vastly different yet equally memorable. When combined it creates a trip you may just want to put on repeat. The first spot, a simple property with much written about it yet still fully undiscovered and a second coming into its own as a premier golf destination. Welcome to Sweetens Cove and McLemore Resort.
This trip is a favorite of the Golf Trip Guys and even though we fought through some weather it only added to the mystique. This itinerary combines breathtaking mountain views with an authentic, one-of-a-kind golf experience. Located in the scenic landscapes of northern Georgia and Tennessee, these two courses offer a golf trip that’s as much about the journey as it is about the game. Here’s why these hidden gems are perfect for your next golf getaway.
McLemore Golf Club: The mountain golf you didn't know you needed
Location: Rising Fawn, Georgia
Courses: The Highlands and The Keep, short course, putting course
Course Architect: Bill Bergin and Rees Jones
Perched atop Lookout Mountain in North Georgia, McLemore Golf Club is an extraordinary golf destination offering sweeping mountain vistas. Lookout Mountain resides among the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. With Chattanooga Valley to the East and Lookout Valley to the west, there are spots where one can supposedly see seven different states on a clear day. This makes an incredible location for some above the clouds golf. Above those clouds sit a growing facility that has it all. The spectacular Highlands course and now a brand new 18 hole course christened The Keep. The Highland course’s elevation changes and dramatic landscapes create a thrilling playing experience that rivals any other in the Southeast. The Keep strongly delivers as the sibling counterpart to the Highlands.
The Highlands Course
Sitting 2,300 feet above sea level, Rees Jones and Bill Bergin crafted dramatic views and fascinating shots on this cliff-edge par 71 course. The champion tees sit at 7,055 yards and feature a variety of strategic holes paired with (sometimes distracting!) breathtaking vistas. The holes can be characterized into three buckets: Canyon holes, Highland holes, and Cliff-edge holes.
Canyon holes
The majority of the front 9 falls into this category, these holes are situated on the eastern side of Lookout Mountain and play across, into and along the walls of a ridge line that resembles a canyon.
Hole 6 may be the most memorable - a par 5 with a massive drop on the second half of the hole into the green. Factor the slope into the shot distance and watch your ball launch into the air and travel majestically for what seems like minutes across a backdrop that will burn in your memory.
Highland holes
The bulk of the holes on the course give it its namesake. Named for their resemblance to the Highlands of Scotland these holes sit on a plateau and play as traditional holes with distant views and lush surroundings.
Cliff Edge holes - 1, 17 and 18 ride cliffside and treat the player to dramatic views that must be experienced. The 18th is undoubtedly the showstopping hole at McLemore. It's often referred to as one of the best finishing holes in America. The par-4 is a visual masterpiece and quite a challenge to play. One must balance focus with the stunning views. The fairway slopes right to left off the mountain-side - slam that tee shot into the right side and enjoy the walk up the fairway. Sitting perched high is an infinity green, take time to soak in the views, then re-focus and get the correct slope to sink a finishing putt you can regale over pints at the Creag.
The Keep
Not to be outdone, Rees and Bergin's newly completed design, The Keep, is soon to be a favorite destination course. Situated on the eastern cliff-edge, the entire course sits atop Lookout Mountain but plays as an enjoyable walking course. The Keep is a strategic golf course featuring large greens, wide fairways, and dramatic inland views. Designed to reward thoughtful and precise play, it allows for multiple ways to approach each hole, with the best strategy varying daily based on conditions and player ability
The 479-acre property forms a natural amphitheater with uninterrupted cliff edges, providing dramatic and open views, making it an ideal natural spectator course. The landscape features five converging streams, creating multiple visible waterfalls, enhancing the golfing experience, especially at the 11th tee. Ancient boulders and rock outcroppings define areas of play, frame natural tee grounds, and encircle the 17th green. Water features from natural streams provide irrigation and add strategic elements to the course. The Keep celebrates nature, carefully preserving natural areas and mountain wetlands as a key focus. It is a secluded, immersive experience of golf and nature.
Standout hole #17
The 17th uses the natural rock formations to create a spectacularly unique setting. The rocks create a sort of amphitheater that guides the borders of the hole all the way into the green. This is a hole unlike you have played anywhere else. Just avoid being in the rocks...
Golf Photographer, PJ Koenig, was one of the first to play The Keep and captured some incredible shots along with a hole by hole recap, check it out here
The McLemore property
The McLemore property is just getting started with ambitious growth plans to cater to all your vacation needs. To round out the golf facilities there is a Himalaya-esque putting course and a 6 hole short course to roam with your crew. Full driving range and practices areas get you ready for your rounds.
The surrounding area is known for its scenic tranquility and access to explore nature. Hiking trails will take you to waterfalls, into caves and thrust you out into scenic views for miles. Mountain biking, rock climbing, hang gliding are just a few of the ways to explore nature amongst the Lookout Mountain area. So whichever way fits your style chances are you can explore it at McLemore. With the addition on the newly opened Hilton Cloudland - a spa and infinity pool are added to the already extensive list of amenities. Making this a great destination for couples along with guys or gals golf trips.
In addition to golf, a full scale clay shooting range is slated to open in 2025.
Sweetens Cove: A Hidden Gem that lives up to the hype
Location: South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Course Architect: Rob Collins
Less than an hour’s drive from McLemore lies a golf experience that captures the essence of golf. The atmosphere is one where the fun of the game shines. Sweetens Cove may be a 9-hole course but its reputation far exceeds its modest size. This hidden gem has earned a cult following among golf enthusiasts for its bold and imaginative design, offering a unique playing experience that captures the heart and soul of golf. Often described as "America's coolest 9-hole course," Sweetens Cove offers a fresh take on traditional golf in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. There are no tee times only daily passes. Capacity is capped to where one could play as a group of 8 or 12 friends and the pace never suffers.
From the drive in - this place hits different. It's modest nature sets a tone for what you are about to experience. From a gravel parking lot to a no frills clubhouse and a simple food truck providing sangies and beverages, this is pure golf.
The property was transformed by Rob Collins after existing as local muni course. Collins had the vision and imagination to transform the property into an unassuming yet incredibly fun layout.
But it's only 9 holes??? Andy Johnson, founder of The Fried Egg, sums up the answer to that questions well :
“You can play it 20 times in a row and you’ll never get tired of it, because it plays 20 different ways,” he said. “You can hit every shot imaginable with a golf club. If you’re a short hitter, that’s fine, because you can run it up to the greens. If you’re a long hitter, there are all these places to get aggressive and maybe get punished. And the greens — they’re wild, and they’re special.”
Each hole at Sweetens Cove offers its own character, but the 3rd hole, a challenging par-5, stands out for its strategic options and risk-reward design. The undulating fairways, creative bunkering, and distinctive greens make every shot an opportunity for creativity, ensuring that no two rounds are ever the same.
The contours of the greens creates such a unique setting where one can feel like a pro - hitting past the pin and watching the ball come back and nestle at the hole or make you simply shrug when the turtle back sends your approach into yet another drainage area. Laughing or shrugging your group will have plenty to talk about.
Where to Stay
Home base options are dependent on your group and what type of vibe you are looking to achieve. Sweetens and McLemore are ~40 minutes apart so either can serve as the base for the trip, Chattanooga is also central to both for a more city vibe. There are airbnb's around Sweetens that can provide for a group house and maximize the hangout time. For more of a premium accommodation McLemore has some excellent options.
McLemore lodging
Golf Cottages
McLemore has 4 cottages that are perfect for a group that wants to stay in the same house. They sleep 8 across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with common areas and outdoor firepits. These are on property and right near the practice range. Additional there are other rental properties on site that can accommodate differing group sizes.
Cloudland Hotel
Newly constructed, this Hilton property sits perched on the property and provides some incredible vistas. The property has all the amenities with a spa, cliff edge infinity pool, fitness center and excellent dining options.
Planning Your Trip
Access to Sweeten's is through a day pass purchase. These can be notoriously hard to come by. Reserve your pass with a $10 deposit on their website, and plan your golf around their availability. Ideally you spend an entire day at Sweetens.
Note: The Golf Trip Guys have exclusive pricing with McLemore, so if this trip interests you, connect with us for a free group quote.
When to Go: The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most picturesque. Fall, in particular, brings a stunning array of autumn colors, enhancing the mountain and valley views.
How to Get There
Nearest Airports:
Chattanooga Airport (CHA): Located about 40 minutes from McLemore and 1 hour from Sweetens Cove, Chattanooga Airport is the most convenient option for both destinations. It offers direct flights from several major cities in the Southeast, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL): Approximately a 2-hour drive to McLemore and 2.5 hours to Sweetens Cove, Atlanta’s airport is a larger hub with more flight options, making it an alternative if you don’t mind a scenic drive.
Nashville Airport (BNA): Approximately 2 hours to McLemore.
For those driving from Atlanta or Nashville there are some excellent golf courses along the way if the crew would like to squeeze another round in. If interested in this trip or looking for golf recommendations shoot us a note.
Bonus Courses
Coming from ATL
North of Atlanta on the way to or back from McLemore is Cobblestone Golf Club. Located on the shores of Lake Acworth in Acworth, Georgia, is one of the state’s most celebrated public golf courses. Designed by Ken Dye, the 18-hole course offers a scenic layout with lakefront holes, rolling fairways, and challenging greens. Known for its excellent conditions and strategic bunkering, Cobblestone provides a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Coming from NSH
On your way back to Nashville - Hermitage Golf Course has two 18 hole courses to choose from located 15 minutes from Nashville airport so you can squeeze in just a little bit of extra golf and still make your flight.
Hermitage Golf Course, consistently ranked as a top public option in TN, offers two stunning 18-hole layouts: President’s Reserve and General’s Retreat. Nestled along the Cumberland River, the course combines scenic beauty, excellent conditions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
President’s Reserve: Designed by Denis Griffiths, this championship course winds through wetlands and along the river, providing a challenging and picturesque layout for golfers of all skill levels.
General’s Retreat: The original course, known for its tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering, offers a more classic design with plenty of character.
Comments