Best of The Cliffs: Walkable Golf Courses
Whether you golf once per year or once per day, getting out on the course is always a wonderful way to spend your time. So much can be accomplished in just one game. From fine-tuning your focus and lowering your stress levels, to creating connections with family and friends, and partnerships with colleagues.
The enhancements to your quality of life from playing golf can be further enriched by taking a few steps toward a healthier game as well. It is said that walking an 18-hole course counts as a heart-healthy exercise. In fact, carrying your own bag for the duration of the round can burn nearly 1,000 calories.
In case you needed another excuse to get out on the greens of The Cliffs, we’ve selected our top three walkable courses for you to enjoy. We’ll begin along the sandy shores of Lake Keowee and travel east from there.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls sits in upstate South Carolina, not far from the Georgia and North Carolina borders and on the shores of Lake Keowee. A game of golf at Keowee Falls golf course is a true challenge thanks to its undulating terrain, natural hazards, and gradual changes in elevation. Throughout this signature Jack Nicklaus course, players are welcomed by the sights and sounds of gentle streams and still ponds alongside the fairways.
The course’s stunning clubhouse is a sight to behold. Perched on a hill overlooking the fairways is the Adirondack-influenced Clubhouse with its shingled exterior and natural stone elements throughout. Rocking chairs, various fireplaces, and breathtaking views invite you to focus on the present moment.
What We Have to Say About Keowee Falls
According to Julian Bland, Head Golf Pro at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, “pedestrian golfers will enjoy walkways cut through the native fescue areas that are as beautiful as they are easy to navigate. To add a little bonus, the walking paths are shorter than the cart paths. Further, the course offers returning nines, meaning you can walk a 9-hole game and return to the clubhouse – in case you are tight on time.”
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Named one of GolfWeek’s Top 100 Best Modern Courses, The Cliffs at Mountain Park is a major bucket list course. Designed by none other than Gary Player, there’s no doubt he thought of everything when pouring his skill into creating this course. Look forward to a two-sided teeing green, several acres for chipping and putting, natural bunkers, and spacious greens.
The course’s clubhouse, The Cabin, takes on the appearance of a contemporary cabin with sophisticated design features. Inside, players can relax at The Cabin’s beautifully carved wood bar and sip on a fresh cocktail.
What We Have to Say About The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Head Golf Pro, Jeff Headman, comments “The way Gary Player Design encompassed the North Saluda River throughout the entire links design is truly special to play. The Cliffs at Mountain Park is a great walk, course and place to call home for all our members.”
The Cliffs Valley
The Cliffs Valley is a parkland-style course centered around a handful of shimmering lakes. The course’s lush landscaping intertwined with the community’s natural beauty will leave you breathless.
Once you have finished playing for the day, head over to the Valley Clubhouse for a post-round libation. Inside you will find sweeping views of the course and mountain peaks in the distance. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh mountain air as a reward for all that walking you’ve done.
What We Have to Say About The Cliffs Valley
The Cliffs Valley Director of Golf, Matt Pavia, says “although The Cliffs Valley is in the mountains, the golf course is relatively flat. That certainly helps make it more walkable than your average mountain course. There are not many holes where our course requires a climb up a steep hill with your bag. A big factor for walkers is the distance from each green to the next tee. Many golf communities that are built with houses on or near the course have long distances between holes that can add a lot of steps for a walker. On these courses, even the most dedicated walkers will usually take golf carts. In most cases at Valley, the next tee is located very close, or if there is a distance, the player can leave their bag and walk back to the tee with a club.”
Life On the Fairway
Golf course living is what makes The Cliffs a treasure to residents. Avid golf players can enjoy daily access to some of the best walkable courses in the country. Along with these three incredible playing opportunities, it’s worth mentioning that all seven of our community courses provide a rewarding game. No matter which course you choose, you will love living such an active life at The Cliffs. Immerse yourself even further into the Cliffs golf culture and become a club member.
Homes located on the course affords the best access to these private amenities. View the selection of properties currently available at your favorite course at The Cliffs via the button below.
