Rees Jones

McLemore Golf Course, McLemore Resort, John Hughes Golf, #9 Highlands Course

From Reborn to Renowned: The Architectural Evolution of McLemore Golf Course Once a course in need of a refresh, McLemore Golf Course has transformed into a golfer’s paradise, consistently recognized for its design excellence. Nestled atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia, McLemore Golf Course boasts a rich history intertwined with its architectural evolution. Let’s tee off on a journey through McLemore’s architectural timeline. A New Dawn: The Rees Jones & Bill Bergin Transformation (2019) Prior to 2019, McLemore existed, but lacked the luster it possesses today. Enter the renowned team of Rees Jones and Bill Bergin. They embarked on a comprehensive redesign, christening the course the “Highlands Course.” Their vision? To craft a challenging yet playable layout that capitalized on the mountain’s breathtaking scenery. Key features of the redesign included: Revamped greens complexes: More strategic bunkering and contoured greens added teeth to the course while maintaining playability. Forward tees and wider fairways: McLemore became more welcoming to golfers of all skill levels, promoting a faster pace of play. A focus on the dramatic landscape: The natural beauty of Lookout Mountain became a central feature, with many holes offering panoramic vistas. The result? The McLemore Highlands Course garnered immediate acclaim, lauded for its strategic play and stunning aesthetics. It even earned the prestigious “Best Finishing Hole Since the Year 2000” designation by Golf Digest in 2020. Expanding the Experience: The Birth of The Cairn (2020) McLemore’s evolution didn’t stop at the 18-hole championship course. Recognizing the growing popularity of short courses, Bill…

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