Teeing off for a greater good
On any given day, hundreds of golfers scramble across seven, nationally-acclaimed courses at The Cliffs. While special occasions and member-guest tournaments fill the calendar, a few rounds of play stand out for their purpose—that of community, stewardship and service.
Naomi’s Village
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
With an inaugural tournament under their belt this past summer, neighbors and volunteers at Mountain Park are already weighing a return in 2025. “Everyone told us the first year would be tough,” says tournament organizer and member at Mountain Park, Ross Travis. “So, our goal was primarily to raise awareness. But the tournament was so well received, we raised roughly $65,000 for Naomi’s Village.”
The children’s facility in Kenya houses 99 kids, teaches 100 preschoolers, and educates another 400 in a K-12 academy. A current goal is to expand the school to accommodate 1,000 children in the high-poverty region north of Nairobi. Ross and his wife, Alice, got involved with the nonprofit after learning about them through a local church. Since then, they’ve sponsored children and visited the village in Africa. “They’re doing great things there,” says Alice. “We’ve made real connections with the children, and it means so much.”
In June, major sponsors were invited to a Founder’s Reception and Dinner before taking to the Gary Player Signature golf course for an 18-hole captain’s choice scramble format. Each swing of the club under the Carolina sky brought joy to faces, knowing they were helping feed and educate kids under the African sun.
For more information, visit naomisvillage.org
Flamingo Flirt
The Cliffs at Glassy
While dozens of species nestle into nature at The Cliffs at Glassy, pink flamingos in lavender boas strut the course each summer at the Flamingo Flirt. The tournament started in 2009 to benefit the Susan G. Komen charity. Within two years, the organizing committee decided to support the needs of what is now the Prisma Health Cancer Institute. This past summer’s proceeds are going specifically to local cancer research, local clinical trials, and the Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital Wellness Center at Unity Park.
Under the umbrella of the Glassy Ladies Golf Association, Rita Zrimsek has volunteered with the tournament since day one. “I’ve seen it blossom from our first, modest, $11,500 in donations to over a cumulative $300,000 this year,” she says. “This tournament embodies the enormous generosity of our Glassy family. Each year has been bigger and better, and the best is yet to come.”
This past summer, the Flirt hosted the largest field ever, with 108 players lining up for a shotgun start. Each tee box honored those who have been affected by cancer; a gentle reminder for the cause bringing all together. Head golf professional Kris Kleinsasser says, “Glassy is so passionate about supporting this event. It’s fun to work hand-in-hand as a community, to try to make a difference and impact others. The member involvement from the GLGA, from start to finish, makes this tournament unique from others.”
The Flirt brings a different spirit and energy than most tournaments to the course, with lavender cocktails, choreographed dance routines, and laughter. Co-chair Karen Starbuck says, “The event is constantly evolving and changing. The ladies on our committee aren’t afraid to try anything. All of us have been touched by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. Every dollar we raise is wisely utilized by the outstanding team at Prisma Cancer Health Institute. To be part of this fundraising effort, to not only prevent cancer but to help someone heal and survive it, it’s an opportunity that I cherish.”
For more information, visit prismahealth.org
Unbroken Spirit
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
In two, fast-paced years, Unbroken Spirit has raised almost half a million dollars to help veterans transition from military to civilian life. “Basically, it’s a yearlong program for vets who feel there’s a better way to live and are committed to becoming their best-self again,” says group founder and Executive Director Col. Pete Champagne. The organization was founded by community members of The Cliffs and four of the five board members are veterans, adds Champagne.
Unbroken Spirit takes both veterans and active military members through a comprehensive program to re-calibrate their purpose and mindset, to best serve themselves and their family, community, and country. The program includes mentoring, community service, outdoor adventures, leadership training, and techniques for healing traumas. “Freedom isn’t free,” says the colonel. “We are grateful for all veterans have given so we can live free. Our sponsors and neighbors at Walnut Cove are committed to helping them.”
The yearlong program ends with recipients of this program joining club members for a weekend of fundraising, which includes a golf tournament at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove on the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The tournament begins with a salute to the United States of America and a member of The Cliffs leading golfers in the National Anthem. “It’s an incredible scene,” Champagne reflects. “The entire weekend is dedicated to remembering the veterans’ service and sacrifice. The day after the tournament ends, we begin working with our new groups of vets.”
Each year, the tournament has sold out, with 28 foursomes. “Many residents of The Cliffs are veterans or are related to someone who has devoted themselves to our country,” Champagne says. “It feels good to pull others up who have walked in our shoes. We’re just a bit further down the path, leading the way.”
For more information, visit unbrokenspirit.org
Upstate Warrior Solution
The Cliffs Valley
With almost a half million dollars donated to Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS), the annual tournament at The Cliffs Valley is set to tee off again in November. “A lot of people here are vets,” says retired Air Force Col. Mike Weitzel. “We’re ’60s and ’70s kind of guys, Vietnam all the way up to Desert Storm. It’s easy to embrace the idea of UWS when you know how much they can make a difference to warriors, retired veterans, even the army guy who’s in and out in a couple of years.”
With offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, and Anderson, SC, Upstate Warrior Solution has assisted more than 10,165 vets, 137 first responders, and 24,722 family members with jobs, legal and medical benefits, transportation, therapy, and recreation. The Cliffs at Glassy member Charles Wong sits on the Board of Directors. He shares, “As a veteran and former LEO (law enforcement officer), I’m especially grateful to The Cliffs for its support of Upstate Warrior Solution. It’s one of several joint activities where The Cliffs supports the efforts of UWS. A number of Glassy members participate in the Valley Tournament.”
In addition to extending a legacy of patriotism while raising money, the tournament also provides the perfect escape for those UWS serves. “The pros pair each foursome with a veteran,” says Weitzel. “The vets are the only ones who win anything. It’s all about them and making sure they have a good time.”
For more information, visit upstatewarriorsolution.org
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To see more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
