I first visited the McLemore Resort on May 5th of 2023. It was course #194 on my world record setting march to 580 courses played in 365 days. At the time, they were constructing a new course called The Keep and I remember being pissed that it wasn’t already open. Fortunately, I returned a year later and I was one of the first to experience The Keep. The course is much different than the original Highlands course at McLemore. Almost every hole is solid and there are more than a handful of excellent and memorable golf holes.
I have decided to generate the unofficial photographic course guide for The Keep. I kept it simple with one description and one photograph per hole. Pretty much like an 18 month calendar of sexy golf shots. It is worth mentioning that the Keep has only been open several weeks and the conditions and aesthetics are only going to get better over the next few years.
All yardage is from the blue tees on the preview card that measures 6653 yards.
Hole #1 - Par 4 - 441 yards
The Keep starts off with a serious bruiser. Even with a solid drive, the opening hole still requires a medium iron in order to clear the ravine. It is an excellent opening hole and par here is a great score. I wasn’t expecting the speed on the greens and I started out with a nice little 4 putt. These greens are brand new and freaking speedy.
Hole #2 - Par 5 - 518 yards
The tee boxes at The Keep are some of the best that I have seen in quite some time. The a large, long, and fit perfectly into the land. If you happen to catch a generous tee placement, it can save you up to 30 yards. That was the case when we arrived on the second hole. It was go time! The drive features a very large hazard that splits 2 different options off of the tee. I aimed left and pumped one right into the hazard.
Hole #3 - Par 3 - 185 yards
This little beauty reminded me of the 13th hole at Rolling Hills Country Club in California, but the backdrop here clearly sets it apart. A smooth little fade works nicely here when you are looking to feed one towards that back pin. A great par 4,5,3 start to The Keep.
Hole #4 - Par 4 - 413 yards
Blind tee shot alert! The drive takes the golfer into a new section of the golf course and there is a spirit of adventure with this tee ball. A fun drive that sets up a short to mid iron shot into the green.
Hole #5 - Par 4 - 365 yards
This little dogleg left is one of the best golf holes on the property. There are several options and aiming points off of the tee. You can challenge the hazard and pull out the big dog which will give you a close at the green. The smart play is to lay back and have a short wedge into the green.
Hole #6 - Par 4 - 312 yards
The 6th hole is the only hole I didn’t care for on the property. Which is odd because I usually love all short par 4’s. There is a large fake pond that is the centerpiece of the entire hole. Lay up short or challenge the pond to get close to the green. The authentic blend of the golf course and its environment jumps off of the rails here for a second.
Hole #7 - Par 5 - 520 yards
The second par 5 at The Keep gets the course back on the tracks and gives the golfer another chance to score. If you steer clear of the bunkers you should have a chance with a scoring club to make some moves.
Hole #8 - Par 3 - 171 yards
The preview card says 171 yards, but I found a tee box that puts this monster at 250 yards.This tee box provides the first jaw dropping view of the valley below the Keep. I pounded 3 wood over the green which was plenty fine, however I did not get up and down.
Hole #9 - Par 4 - 385 yards
The front nine wraps up with one of the most exciting holes on the golf course. This modest par 4 plays down the ridge line and gives you an edge of the earth type sensation. While there is no ocean at The Keep the 9th hole certainly has that seaside feeling.
Hole #10 - Par 5 - 576 yards
The longest par 5 at The Keep is also the best. The 10th is another stunning golf hole that continues to play along the ridge line. Several large imposing rocks and bunkers guard the fairway and will make sure that you carefully select your distances and aim points. 2 good shots and you should have a look at birdie.
Hole #11 - Par 3 - 163 yards
The most fun par 3 at The Keep is also the most scenic. There is an island green feeling to this golf shot that plays over the ravine. I stuck one in there tight and missed the birdie putt.
Hole #12 - Par 4 - 300 yards
The course switches gears from here on out. Holes 12-18 play on a different parcel of land and the golfer will traverse up and down the hillside for the remainder of the round. This portion of the course starts out with an uphill short par 4. It is a fun combination that you don’t see too often.
Hole #13 - Par 4 - 408 yards
Back down the hillside we go. This tee shot plays down to a multi tiered fairway and if you are too far off line you can find the water on both your drive and your second shot. This particular hole reminded me of Ross Bridge on the RTJ golf trail.
Hole #14 - Par 3 - 180 yards
The 14th is an uphill par 3 that will require a solid shot. This green slopes hard and after hitting a great approach to 10 feet above the hole, I managed to 3 wiggle pretty easily. One of the most generic pieces of advice is true at The Keep. “Stay below the hole.”
Hole #15 - Par 5 - 529 yards
Back up the hill we go again with The Keep’s final par 5. This uphill climb makes the hole play longer than the 529 on the card. A large rock formation guards the front right of the green.
Hole #16 - Par 4 - 426 yards
The 16th hole at The Keep spills back down the hillside with another lengthy par 4 that plays shorter than the yardage indicates. It helps to pay attention to the angles on your approach here. I went way left and had a slim chance of holding the green.
Hole #1`7 - 336 yards
The 17th is the most scenic and my favorite golf hole on the property. It’s not too long but will require some accuracy off of the tee if you want to get into a position to strike. Any wild stuff will find the rocks and probably a pretty big number. The spectacular use of the natural rock formations creates a climax for the golfer as you reach the highest point on the property.
Hole #18 - 426 yards
The finishing hole at The Keep plays down the hill and along the cliff’s edge for the final time. Two good shots and you will have a look at birdie in front of the clubhouse. Which is currently just a little golf trailer. Plans for an upgrade are in the works.
In addition to the new golf course, the resort has also added some new accommodations called the Cloudland Lounge. Aptly named for the resort’s elevated location, Cloudland is the perfect place to stay as you experience The Keep.
As good as The Keep is, you would be foolish to miss the Highlands course which features one of the most dramatic finishing holes in the country. Please allow the photos below to convince you to book your trip today.
