67 former a long par-four that demands an approach over a stream and a lake to be avoided on the right. The cautious approach will favour the left of the green, where a shortgrass bailout area gives the best chance of recovery. The par-three fourteenth has a stream to the right. Pin position will have a significant impact on difficulty – a feature throughout the course. As former PGA Tour player Charlie Rymer, now executive vice president of McLemore, points out: “Every hole has drama, consisting of an incredible view and decisions that need to be made. We have five of the most incredible skyline shots you will ever see – there is nothing like seeing a flagstick up against an unending magnificent backdrop.” Its dramatic mountaintop setting and astonishing vistas will inevitably and deservedly catapult The Keep into the golfing world’s attention. But the course has substance; layers to peel back and new secrets to discover, in the unlikely event that you become accustomed to the views. THE KEEP Grass that fits ‘hand in glove’ with the design Georgia-based Superior Turf provided grass varieties for McLemore’s Highlands course and has returned to the club to supply turf for The Keep. The Keep has used Stadium Zoysia for tees, fairways and rough, and AU Victory bentgrass for greens. The Zoysia is known for not needing much water or fertiliser and has excellent wear tolerance and fast recovery. “Our ribbon tees, which are on-grade where possible, will enhance the walking experience and just plain look cool,” says McLemore’s Charlie Rymer. “We have tremendous fairway width that creates angles and challenges excellent golfers but will also give golfers of lesser ability a path forward. Our turf selection fits hand in glove with the design. “Bentgrass greens that remain firm all year in combination with the latest Zoysia on tees, fairways and rough will give us the best possible playing surfaces. Tightly mown areas around the greens will allow for options galore.” Photo: Evan Schiller The ninth green looks narrow from the approach but is the largest on the course Photo: Evan Schiller
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