World-Class Golf at the 102nd Carolinas Open and Luxury Living at The Cliffs at Mountain Park
This summer, The Cliffs at Mountain Park golf course will make history as it welcomes some of the region’s finest golfers for the 102nd Carolinas Open. Scheduled for July 13-16, 2026, this prestigious tournament marks a notable return to South Carolina, where the championship’s history first began more than a century ago.
For golf enthusiasts and prospective homeowners, this tournament offers more than just world-class competition. It’s a rare opportunity to experience one of the region’s premier private courses in championship form and see firsthand what daily life looks like at The Cliffs at Mountain Park.
What is the Carolinas Open?
The Carolinas Open is one of the Southeast’s longest-running golf tournaments, with roots dating back to 1923. Organized by the Carolinas PGA, this championship brings together amateur and professional golfers, creating a proving ground for regional talent to compete at the highest level. Over its 102-year history, the tournament has traveled throughout North and South Carolina, consistently showcasing the region’s finest golf courses.
This year’s event is the PGA REACH Charity Pro-Am, which means the competitive golf serves a greater purpose. PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, supports three core missions: providing scholarships and access to youth golf programs, offering therapeutic golf instruction for Veterans and active-duty military, and creating career pathways in the golf industry.
Each round played during the tournament supports these initiatives, making it more than just another sporting event, but expanding access to the game and enriching communities through it.
Where and How Will the Tournament Take Place?
- Location: The Cliffs at Mountain Park, Marietta, SC
- Duration: July 13-16, 2026
- Course: 7,213-yard, par-72, Gary Player Signature world-class course
- Setting: 2,000 acres bordered by protected forest and the North Saluda River
- Distance from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: 45 minutes
- Distance from downtown Greenville: 25 minutes
Tournament Highlights:
- Four-day championship format featuring regional amateur and professional competitors
- Recognized by GOLF Magazine as one of the Best New Modern Courses
- Walkable routing with minimal elevation changes, creating excellent spectator viewing
- “The Joust”—a dramatic four-hole finishing stretch where tournaments are decided
- PGA REACH Charity Pro-Am format supporting youth, military, and inclusion initiatives
The Course That Earned Its Reputation
Gary Player’s signature design at Mountain Park has earned recognition from the moment it opened, landing on GOLF Magazine’s list of Best New Modern Courses. What makes this layout special comes down to a few key elements:
- Natural Drama: The North Saluda River winds through the property, creating strategic complexity and breathtaking scenery
- Old-School Character: Large greens, natural bunkering, and open approaches reward strategic thinking over pure power
- Championship Length: Playing to a par 72 at 7,213 yards from the tips, with five tee sets accommodating every skill level
- “The Joust” Finish: A thrilling four-hole closing stretch offering risk-reward opportunities that could determine the tournament champion
The course features zoysia fairways, fescue rough, and hybrid Bermuda greens that are generous in size but demanding in their subtle undulations. It’s walkable, with minimal elevation changes, making it perfect for both competitive play and leisurely rounds that make mountain golf so appealing.
How the Tournament Connects to Luxury Real Estate
The 102nd Carolinas Open provides a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. Prospective buyers can explore:
- World-renowned golf maintained to tournament standards year-round on Gary Player’s acclaimed design
- Seven-course access through The Cliffs membership, from mountain layouts to lakeside relaxation
- Golf Ridge homesites and mountain estates are thoughtfully positioned along fairways and natural landscapes
- 2,000 protected acres featuring the North Saluda River, Greene Pond, and extensive trail systems
- The Cabin restaurant, the newly completed Sports Pavilion, and the expansive wellness facility
- Just 25 minutes from downtown Greenville’s dining, culture, and urban conveniences
This tournament exemplifies what makes Mountain Park exceptional: world-class golf that attracts championship competition, paired with the natural beauty and thoughtful amenities that define elevated mountain living. From the first tee to miles of riverside trails, Mountain Park delivers both sporting excellence and a lifestyle that makes every day feel like a retreat.
Enjoy the 102nd Carolinas Open from your Mountain Park Home
The 102nd Carolinas Open takes place July 13-16, 2026, at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. This championship offers prospective homeowners a rare opportunity to experience the property during a major event and see what living here truly means.
Imagine watching championship golf on a course you could play year-round, then returning to your mountain estate surrounded by 2,000 protected acres. Explore available Mountain Park homes and Golf Ridge homesites, walk Gary Player’s acclaimed layout, and understand the caliber of golf and lifestyle you’d gain as a Cliffs member: access to this course and six others across the Carolinas.
The players will compete for four days. Your access would last a lifetime.
