ABOVE & BEYOND
There are so many places to begin the story of golf at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. The game here is as it was intended, inextricably a part of nature. Here, just below the Blue Ridge Parkway, the front nine winds across open fields that were once farmlands, the back nine through cascading streams and native woodlands of mountain laurel. Thanks in no small part to Jack Nicklaus, that feeling of aaah happens on every tee. But there’s more, much more.
Among The Cliffs’ seven, it is at once the shortest and longest from tee to green, ranging from 4,646 to 7,270 yards.
Par is indeed 71 and even par is quite the accomplishment here. Not because the course is unfair, but becasue one could never tire of these 18.
The slope tells all doesn’t it? Here, 124.0 – 148.0. The rating ranges from the front to tips 66.8 to 75.8.
Debuted in tournament quality conditions with a PGA Tour event. Today, tomorrow and every day this is one of the most impeccably manicured courses in America, if not the world.
Jack Nicklaus has been honored with every award that recognizes excellence in design and development. It is our honor to feature two of his courses among our seven.
Among America’s Best Residential Courses by Golfweek, One of the Best Courses in North Carolina according to Golf Digest.
As Jack Nicklaus keenly observed, “The Cliffs is so special… who else enjoys seven different courses each so different, each of such quality?” Indeed, members of The Cliffs can play a distinctly different course each and every day… from atop Glassy Mountain to lakeside at Keowee Vineyards or the verdant valley that is Walnut Cove.
The golfer’s paradise that is Walnut Cove is exemplified by practice facilities that are the centerpiece of the golf campus. There is an expansive multi-tiered natural turf teeing ground that looks down a long valley. The range, the putting and chipping areas all are impeccably manicured — suggestive of the conditions on all eighteen holes.
Unique to Walnut Cove is a facility dedicated to enriching the golf experience. The Golf House echoes the stately architecture of grand European lodges. Inside are the golf shop and handsome locker facilities. The club’s lounges are private settings for poker or bridge after a leisurely lunch on the patio.
Walnut Cove is home to a grand, 18,000-square foot Wellness Center complete with cardio and strength training equipment and group exercise spaces, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, spa treatment rooms and more. Training is integrated, designed to improve and make the most of one’s physical capabilities improving strength and range of motion.
Jack Nicklaus The Architect
The Nicklaus name has long been associated with greatness on the golf course. Nicknamed “the Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus is considered by many to be the greatest professional golfer, having won 18 major championships in his 25-year career. Nicklaus is also an accomplished course designer and has been honored with every significant award that recognizes excellence in course design and development.
Paul Henriksen The Pro
“Golf at Walnut Cove is as beautiful as the game can be. Every hole unique, especially so the 16th. Golfers approach the tee through a canopy of mountain laurel to a downhill par 3 that plays nearly 200 yards from the back tees but just 135 yards from the forward tee. The beautiful and peaceful surroundings of this wonderful par 3 are irresistible, and the challenge it delivers to all who play here make it a truly signature hole here at Walnut Cove.”
Donna Bailey Member Perspective
“Members at Walnut Cove are especially charitable, including the support of the Women’s Division 1 Golf Program at UNC Asheville, who call the Walnut Cove course home, and many members mentor UNCA’s student athletes. By embracing the school, The Cliffs is embracing the potential of students. We understand the transformative power of education and the fun of the game of golf as well.”
Recognized by the PGA Tour as the Only Championship Golf Course to Debut in Tournament-Ready Conditions.
One of America’s Top Residential Courses
Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide
Among the Best Courses in North Carolina
Golf Digest
Top 10 New Places Everyone is Talking About
GOLF Magazine Living
Awarded Best New Clubhouse of 2006 by Golf Inc. Magazine, the Clubhouse is home for our members. The Club Village includes an impressive Tudor-style Clubhouse with fine dining, a cozy and casual English-style Tavern, a board room, wine room and wine lockers. Across from the clubhouse is the Golf House with the pro shop, bar, dining room and terrace where members gather for barbecues, live music and hors d’oeuvres.
For nearly a decade, Walnut Cove has hosted the Walnut Cup, one of the premier tournaments at The Cliffs. The competition is open to men and women, as well as golfers of all ages and abilities. With a different theme each year, the Walnut Cup tradition is to host parties in the week leading up to the competition, starting with a Pairings Party to hand out uniforms and “Trash Talk Week” filled with gatherings where teams can have fun fueling the flames of competition. The winning teams get bragging rights for the year.
Of the dozen or so places to have gather at The Cliffs, the Tavern is one of the best. Here, expert mixologists and sommeliers exhibit special skills that benefit from study — and some trial and error — to ensure what was an empty glass becomes a masterpiece to imbibe.
Together with Walnut Cove member, Donna Bailey, Nancy took on the challenge of creating the first LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Academy to bring more young girls into the game at a national level and help them develop into tomorrow’s leaders. One of the objectives is to enrich the lives of these girls and empower them to achieve their dreams. The Academy is going strong and has already hosted over 500 girls from 35 states.
Nancy Lopez
Winner of 48 LPGA Tour events, three major championships and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987.
If you just can’t wait to call The Cliffs home, you’ll find magnificent estates, charming cottages and comfortable townhomes available so you can move right in.
An idyllic home with sweeping mountain views or overlooking the golf course from your breakfast table is the promise of Walnut Cove, where you’ll find beautiful homesites and a collection of Preferred Builders to help guide you every step of the way.
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