It’s crunch time if you want to visit me at McLemore Resort this season. There’s only 8 weeks left before I return home to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. And there’s limited availability remaining at McLemore. It’s important you schedule a coaching session or golf school with me at McLemore now!
That’s just a reminder. The true mission and message of this post is to share with you the highlights of the summer for me, my family, and my clients, at McLemore Resort. I hope the details and nuances encourage you to schedule a coaching session with me here. While at the same time, stressing the urgency of locking in dates with me at both locations.
There’s also good news to share with you at the end of the blog.
So Far So Good, and Then Some!
As you well know, I’ve spent the summer in a not so well-known but extremely beautiful part of the country. While coaching at arguably the up-and-coming resort in North America. Ever since the first time I set
Any stress is immediately relieved by views like this. No matter when I might be any time of day, finding a scene like this is right around every corner.
foot upon the eastern bluff of the 18th hole at McLemore, it’s been an on-going experiment. An experiment for me as a coach. As well as for McLemore.
The experiment initially was 10-days in June and 10-days in October of 2022. It then grew to 6-weeks in May/June of 2023. And another 6-weeks in September/October of 2023. Along the way, the experiment evolved, grew, and proved successful, particularly in 2023 and this season.
I judge the success of this experiment by the way in which all my clients have reacted to their experience here. Nothing but accolades! Nothing but great things to say about the resort now and into its future. Not to mention the views, the cool temperatures, and the warm feeling you’re provided by everyone on property.
McLemore judges the success of our experiment based upon some of the same values, along with the obvious business priorities. But I believe their positive vibes about me stem from the way you, my clients, have become harmoniously intertwined into the overall fabric and culture that makes McLemore so unique. McLemore is realizing genuine exposure of their efforts, through my efforts and your return visits.
Why McLemore?
The pictures tells a lot of what you’ll experience when you stay at Cloudland Lodge at McLemore Resort. What awaits you inside are uniquely indigenous appointed rooms and meeting spaces that provide amble views of McLemore Cove, no matter where you are on the property.
To me and many others, McLemore Resort is currently golf’s best kept secret. A true golfer’s paradise. With its breathtaking views and world-class facilities, it’s the perfect backdrop to visit to refine your golf skills. Whether you’re living the lifestyle or desiring to play all the bucket list courses you can, McLemore Resort’s serene environment is ideal. And the “deathly quietness” of its award-winning 18th hole must be experienced in person. Particularly if there is a cloud inversion, like the one I witnessed the first weekend I was on property.
There is an extreme focus at McLemore to deliver world class service and hospitality. Priorities at Cloudland Lodge at McLemore Resort are in line with all the
Yes, there is a great reason why infinity pools are designed the way they are. This is one example.
best resorts around the world. Its dining options are exquisite and delicious. Soon, there will be more amenities to entertain you at McLemore. And I hope you make the trip to enjoy what is here now. And make another trip to experience the growth and ambiance that makes this resort unique and enjoyable.
Coaching at McLemore Resort
Without a doubt, coaching at McLemore is an honor and privilege. Thank you, Duane Horton and Charlie Rymer, for the opportunity to represent the McLemore brand as its Director of Instruction! I also must thank Greg Lecker, the Director of Golf, Doug Amor, the Head Professional, and the entire staff at McLemore for their support throughout the season. Without a team like McLemore’s, it’s hard to serve our mutual guests at the level they are accustomed to.
It’s a passion, a lifestyle, to do what I do. And seeing how each of the clients who visited McLemore react to the culture and environment here has been awesome. Each has buckled down to get their basic set up positions improved. And each has taken the uneven lies that are found on every hole in stride, altering their set up positions to accommodate their lie. McLemore, in essence, provides all golfers with choices. And opportunities to learn more about themselves. I’ve learned a lot about me while coaching at McLemore. And I hope you can do the same soon.
Who Have I Coached?
One of the corporate group golf schools I conduct while at McLemore Resort, enjoying the first hole of The Cairn. The Cairn is a 6-hole short course that challenges your “No Person Land” shots of 30-80 yards. We always take the entire group to play The Cairn.
This season, I’ve coached numerous clients. Members of McLemore, guests of Cloudland Lodge at McLemore Resort, and quite a few of regular clientele. Thank you to all my clients who made the journey to
Lookout Mountain, Georgia! I think you know now why I talk about McLemore as much as I do.
It’s been an awesome experience serving as McLemore Resort’s Director of Instruction this summer. Whether on the Top 100 ranked Highlands Course, the challenging short course called The Cairn, or at the well-appointed practice facility, every golfer I’ve coached this summer has nothing but the highest of praise for the facility.
Some Highlights
Enough about what you already know about McLemore. I’d like to share a few highlights featuring the unique events and experiences that make the area special.
May 1, 2024. Nothing better than to be greeted my first morning at McLemore with the westerly view of clouds hovering below me. Can’t wait for this to start happening again in the fall.
Living Above the Clouds
When spring comes each year, so do the cloud inversions. I’ve been fortunate this season to not only witness the majesty of the Smokey Mountains from the eastern side of Lookout Mountain while at McLemore. I’ve also been treated to the westerly view of the same from the back porch of the rental home my wife and I are occupying.
During the summer, these mysterious but awesome events do not happen as often. But as we turn the corner to fall, we’re both looking forward to waking up to experience more mornings of knowing everyday should be lived above the clouds. No matter where you live on our Earth.
The Evening Ritual
One of the many brilliant sunsets my wife and I enjoy looking over Battelle and Valley Head, Alabama.
Along with the morning cloud inversions have been the nightly sits on the porch witnessing countless sun sets. It’s probably the most consistent activity we’ve organically planned for.
As the sun sets, the sky darkens without the noise of ambient city lights. So, star gazing, tracking the airplanes that fly overhead, and witnessing the occasional passing of a Starlink satellite or one of Perseid’s meteors, is a nightly performance.
What better way to end each day, similar to how it started, then to enjoy the surroundings you’re lucky to be a part of.
The Daily Drive
Until this year, we’ve stayed on property at McLemore. This year has been different. As much as we’ve enjoyed the convenience of staying on property at one of the stay and play villas you can rent at McLemore, staying off property has provided me an opportunity to explore a little. And each morning is a new exploratory journey, driving the same length of single lane highway.
There’s lots of deer on Lookout Mountain. And they seem to occupy the roads at times when I’m in a hurry. Deer, thanks for slowing me down! Your a constant obstacle to contend with while driving Old State Hwy 89 has provided the opportunity to enjoy the westward bluff the road parallels. And the massive pastures along the flat of the mountain.
Other obstacles have included the occasional fox, wolves, opossums, raccoons, turkey, armadillo, chipmunks, bobcat, and other critters that we share the mountain with. I’m still waiting to witness a family of bears that was displaced due to the trees being removed from the land that we now affectionately call, “The Keep”. And there are panthers and mountain lions along the 30+ mile expanse of the mountain. I don’t know if I’ll see them before I return to the Orlando area. But there is a chance.
The Keep
The 17th hole of McLemore Resort’s “The Keep” Course is carved from a rock formation found as the land was cleared. Although 6 of the holes at The Keep place your perilously close to the brow of McLemore Cove, 17 might be one of the best “Signature” holes never designed to serve in that roll.
By now the true golfer is asking, “Why has John not mentioned the new golf course?”. Well, I was waiting on the perfect time to do so. It is an obvious highlight of my time at McLemore. But a highlight well protected.
I was able to visit The Keep in early May, as construction of the last few holes was being completed and the final rolls of Stadium Zosia sod were being laid. What a view! What a golf course! As with any project that involves Mother Nature, the completion of The Keep has experienced a few delays. But perseverance and patience has won out. The Bill Bergin/Rees Jones collaboration is awesome!
I can’t put all the photos into this post, which is why I encourage your you to follow Bill Bergin on Facebook, Instagram, or X. Along with his weekly image upload of the keep are countless images of the other projects he’s currently completing. You’ll learn a lot from his posts about golf, course architecture, and the envisioning skill one must master to be as successful as these 2 iconic architects are.
The Keep will open to extremely limited public play around October 1st of this year. If you plan to play The Keep, you must be a member or staying on property at McLemore Resort. There are a few sneak peaks in late September I hope I’m invited to. And if the opportunity presents itself, I’l share my experience with you.
The Unexpected
My wife and I have entertained quite a few visitors this summer. And there’s still more to visit before returning home in early November. But probably the most unexpected visitor this summer was our resident
Part of living in the mountains is experiencing the wildlife that shares the mountain with you. Such as this Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake that visited our front door landing in August,
snake.
I know this visitor came by at least twice. The first one I documented. The second one he left a present behind for us. The positive about having such a visitor is knowing you’ll see less varmints around you house and yard. But do have to make sure the front house lights are on when leaving early to prepare for a weekend group golf school.
Also unexpected was the warmth and charm of the various small towns that surround McLemore Resort. The occasional trip to Mentone, Alabama to pick up mail or deliveries reminded me of quite a few non-stoplight towns I’ve traveled through. Lots of small stores, mainly open weekends, makes the short trip worthwhile. The 20-mile+ drive to Trenton, Georgia for groceries is made more pleasant by the cashiers of each grocery wanting to learn my name. Guess I visited those too often.
Activities Galore
Each month, McLemore Resort hosts their “Singer/Songwriter Concert Series.” Now in its 4th season, each concert is set against the back drop of McLemore Cove and Pigeon Mountain, every concert always brings out a crowd.
The activities you can experience in this area of the country are too many to name in this blog post. Beyond the expected touristy things to do, there are many different historical sites, hiking trails, and cultural events you can choose to experience. No wonder the Chattanooga Valley area is considered one of the Top 5 places to relocated to the past several years.
But much like Florida, activities tend to come to a halt when it’s “hot” outside. I was not expecting such disdain from the heat as the local residents of the Chattanooga Valley display. Being from Florida and having coached year-round in Florida since 2005, I’m acclimated to heat. Days I thought were cooler than normal, 90-92, were deemed as “heat advisory” days. My digital devices were continually notifying me to stay indoors. And most of my local clientele did just
You have to ask for this signature treat “Lamp Lolly Pops,” when “in season” from Chef Patrick Asconi at The Creag. When is in season? ASk a member of McLemore and they cal tell you.
that. Oh well, so much for wearing my signature black pants every day.
Looking Ahead
As much as I’m totally enthralled by McLemore, it will be time to head home to Florida soon. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with good friends and all my clientele in Florida. And spending time at some of my favorite places. Like spending every Sunday afternoon enjoying my favorite peanut butter stout at Grove Roots!
I’ll be making my return to Omni Orlando ChampionsGate Resort November 12, 2024. I’m looking forward to seeing my golfing family there. Patrick Dill, Director of Golf, and Dion Muhammad, Head Professional, has made my first of what I hope to be many seasons at ChampionsGate worth every minute of sleep I lost, as I contemplated making the decision to move
My Orlando based home, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, is a fantastic facility that hosts my golf coaching prams from November to April.
there this past spring.
I’m excited about returning to ChampionsGate because I’ll be coaching you on the back end of the range, next to Eagle’s Edge, ChampionsGate’s 30-bay TopTracer Sports Bar and conference center. There’s be plenty of room to spread out a bit. And virtually no distractions to consume me or my clients. Chipping, pitching, and putting is once again a short walk from the tent at the newly renovated short game facility.
Should You Schedule Coaching Now at McLemore and Omni? YES!
At the moment, some clients are already filling November and December dates at Omni ChampionsGate. I’d advise you to do the same if you’re one of my coaching membership clients. If you’ve never experienced a golf lesson or coaching session with me and are looking to do so in 2025, it’s best to get into the schedule now. I already have corporate groups and individuals filling those dates as well.
And if you’re still considering visiting me at McLemore before I leave in early November, there’s still spots available for a multiple day golf school, coaching memberships, or an hourly coaching session. I hope you can meet me during my final days at McLemore in 2024.
How to Schedule Your Coaching Session
Booking a golf school or coaching session with me is simple. Click here to email me. Or Click on my telephone number, 407-852-8547, to call me.
Oh Yea! The Good News!
As with any news, it depends upon who you are as to whether you consider any news, good or bad. So here we go; drum roll please.
I’ll be welcoming back to McLemore Resort great clients like Ron, for the next several summer seasons! I’m excited to host you at McLemore too!
The experiment called “Seasonal Coaching at McLemore” will become a regular occurrence every year, for the next several years! I’m honored to announce McLemore’s invited me to remain their Director of Instruction, as long as I’d like to fill the roll.
My rental home renewal for 2025 and beyond is confirmed. And the planning to make 2025 and the following years to come has begun in earnest. Our mutual immediate goal is to have instructional services ready for all guests of McLemore Resort ready for purchase by Black Friday of 2024.
What Does This Mean for You?
Even Houdini could not be in 2 places at the same time. I’m now creating a realistic calendar, through at least 2027, which allows me to continue being ever present at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Our rental home just over the boarder of Georgia and Alabama has served us beyond belief this year. We’ll be back next year!
from fall through early spring, serving my loyal clientele who have made this opportunity possible. While being an integral part of the growth and expansion process McLemore is experiencing each spring through early fall.
As I create the calendar, I’ll be keeping you updated. The immediate plan is to repeat what I accomplished this summer, spending some regularly scheduled time at Omni. Vise versa, there will also be the necessity for me to visit McLemore during the fall through early spring each season. These visits will normally be last minute to be present for important in person meetings and to lend a hand as McLemore prepares to break ground and complete their own TopTracer Sports Bar, which will include 2 indoor teaching bays. Keeping balance between the 2 locations is my goal. Both for me and my family. And for you, my clientele.
With everything that is evolving there will probably be growing pains along the way. I’ll keep you informed of all the dates, times, and locations you can schedule with me at both facilities. And I hope you take the opportunity to explore both properties in the years to come.
Thank You!
Thanks for your patronage, but more importantly, your friendship, throughout my career! Without you, the opportunity to be part of 2 magnificent golf facilities could not be possible.