Yes, the weather is great and the landscapes are lovely. The surrounding towns and cities are filled with culture and entertainment and the opportunities to explore whatever lifestyle paths you choose are as wide open as the roads that lace the western Carolinas. While the combination of surroundings certainly makes The Cliffs a premier destination to visit, it’s the people who become the reason you stay.
The seven communities that comprise The Cliffs include a collection of sports professionals, wellness advocates, food and wine connoisseurs, and hospitality veterans that are dedicated to creating a lifestyle that is like none other. The seven communities that comprise The Cliffs include a collection of sports professionals, wellness advocates, food and wine connoisseurs, and hospitality veterans that are dedicated to creating a lifestyle like no other. Our servers aren’t just servers – many are trained sommeliers. Our cycling coaches include George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde, and Bobby Julich, who bring years of Tour De France experience to members that enjoy an early morning ride. And when it comes to golf, we have ambassadors and pros who have traveled the world to play, coach, and teach. This includes PGA Professional Sean Kennedy, who also serves as the director of golf instruction at The Cliffs.
Kennedy leading a purposeful practice workshop at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
Kennedy began his golf career in 1993 and has been a PGA Class A golf professional since 1997. A passionate teacher and innovator, he has developed a proprietary skill-based learning process for members of The Cliffs, which has been hailed by Golf Channel’s Cameron McCormick as “ahead of the curve.” He is certified in FlightScope, The Golfing Machine, and Gray Institute Biomechanics. Above all else, though, he is a great guy to get to know. Allow us to help you:
How long have you been with The Cliffs?
I started working with The Cliffs on March 1, 2010.
What is your favorite aspect of instructing others?
Helping them enjoy the challenge of improvement. It’s a great way to keep your brain elastic and dynamic. I love to help people learn new things.
What is your approach to teaching?
My approach to teaching is science based in neurology and motor learning. I’ve spent thousands of hours studying biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, physics, kinetics, kinematics and many different swing methods and systems. My tool box is well-researched and experienced.
What is your main mantra, when it comes to teaching golf?
Remember it’s play and play is fun.
What is a purposeful practice?
It’s an understanding that quality outweighs quantity.
Would you say a purposeful practice can be transitioned into everyday life? And how so?
Absolutely. It’s a philosophy that you can take when developing any skill. There is one relatable word that comes to mind, mindfulness.
What is the most important lesson you believe you’ve learned, as a golfer?
That good enough is actually great.
Where are you from?
The great American Midwest. I was born in Illinois and spent my formative years in Wisconsin.
Where do you live now?
Travelers Rest, SC.
What brought you to The Cliffs?
The chance to work on seven diverse courses and the sheer beauty of the facilities.
Do you have a favorite course at The Cliffs?
I really enjoy The Cliffs at Walnut Cove as it reminds me of the courses I learned the game on in Wisconsin. There are favorite aspects of each course but nostalgia wins at Walnut Cove.
Do you have a favorite time of day to play?
I love late afternoons and early evenings but any chance to play is a blessing.
How often do you get to play for yourself?
In season, once every two weeks maybe, but during the shoulder seasons I play twice a week with clients and member groups.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
I have an amazing wife. We’ve been married for 22 years and we enjoy the outdoor activities in the upstate and western North Carolina. We also have a soft spot for animals no one else seems to want. Adopt don’t shop.
My hobbies are writing songs, playing guitar and creating music. I still read books.
