Natural Nirvana
Named for Falls Creek, which winds its way through seven holes, this challenging course consists of 160-acres of undulating terrain with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, streams, ponds and lengthy par 3s. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls course is a natural nirvana and nary a home is seen from the course.
For the younger, older or beginner it is just 5,154 from the front tees. If you’re up for it, try on 7,171 yards from the Golden Bear tees.
As you’d expect, 72 on the card. Yours is likely to be a bit higher, thanks to sand, water and the oaks, which threaten, well, on every hole.
Slope is just 129 and the rating 69.1 from the front, but a challenging 144 / 75.6 from the back.
Plenty of water to navigate. Bermuda grass tees and fairways. Champion Ultra-dwarf greens. The net effect — honest, fast and firm.
The Golden Bear at his best — Jack Nicklaus took a sprawling canvas of rolling hills and frothy streams and delicately wove a course where each hole seems in its own world.
To name a few — Best in State from Golf Digest, in the top 50 Best New Courses by Golfweek and importantly, Excellence in Golf Course Design by the jury at the South Carolina Golf Raters Panel.
A trademark Nicklaus design feature is to carefully weave the course within the residential component of a private club community. At The Cliffs, he didn’t have to — we gave Jack all the acres he’d need to bring the natural environment forward, and let the homes recede. It’s a beautifully pure golf experience.
Each of The Cliffs’ golf shops is a destination not only for handsome attire, smart accessories, and club fitting, but each also specializes in a particular aspect of the game. At Keowee Falls, this would be shoes — for the course, around town and stepping out and the selection is spectacular.
A great summer tradition is to settle into a rocking chair and enjoy the breeze. The clubhouse at Keowee Falls has one of the greatest porches anywhere — long, wide and welcoming. Rockers, over-stuffed wickers and long dining tables beckon — a space where Southern hospitality is the order of the day.
Here is a state-of-the-art gym, a fabulous family pool, sports and tennis courts all surrounded by a park and miles of hiking trails — just what’s in order before heading over the clubhouse for afternoon appetizers on the porch.
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.
Julian Bland The Pro
“The shortest par 3 on the course may be perceived as an easy hole, but the waterfall to the players’ right draws the eye away from the task at hand. And that task is not being short. Shorting it will catch the false front and roll back to the basin of the hill, some 20 yards away. The player who tries to take the false front out of play and hits long off the green will be left with an up-and-down attempt that would have some of the best players in the world scratching their heads. Par is always a great score here.”
Dotti Smith Member Perspective
“We love the golf course at Keowee Falls although it has proven to be one of the hardest to play. We spend alot of time relaxing on the lake with friends and family, but when it’s time to play golf, its go time. Thanks to Julian, he has helped me get my golf game as good as my boating skills.”
Best in State
Golf Digest
Keowee Falls is Home to the Clemson Invitational, the Premier Event of One of the NCAA’s Most Storied Programs.
Among America’s 50 Best New Courses
Golfweek
It’s a contemporary take on a classic. A grand, 28,000-square-foot Clubhouse features turn-of-the-century architecture with an Adirondack influence. A sprawling porch lined with rocking chairs invites relaxation. An outdoor terrace beckons you to dine by firelight with sweeping panoramic views of Falls Creek and up to 10 of the course’s 18 holes, while the dining room provides a moving view of the sunset as you dine on Blue Ridge cuisine with a creative flair.
Our award-winning culinary team features chefs trained by the masters and in some of the nation’s finest restaurants. To this exceptional foundation they bring their own inspired menus, both to their daily offerings and special events. It’s always satisfying, seasonal and local — including fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs sourced directly from Broken Oak Organic Farm at The Cliffs.
Every member of The Cliffs naturally has a favorite course. Among the low handicap players, one of the hands-down favorites is Keowee Falls. The professional raters share their view.
“The course at Keowee Falls starts out in epic fashion, a long par 4 protected off the tee with a large fairway bunker on the left. Snaking along the right, Falls Creek often snatches tee shots that fade. Nicklaus provides an ample landing area from the tee, and a nicely struck shot sets you up for a fun approach over the creek, which runs in front of the multi-tiered green. Finding the right tier with a shorter iron can help set you up for a birdie, but as with any Nicklaus hole, walking away with par is also comforting.”
Brian Peeples
The Cliffs, Director of Golf
If you just can’t wait to call The Cliffs home, you’ll find magnificent
estates, lakefront custom homes and charming cottages available so you can move right in.
An idyllic home with sweeping mountain or lake views from your breakfast table is the promise of Keowee Falls, where you’ll find beautiful homesites and a collection of Preferred Builders to help guide you every step of the way.
For more information, please submit this short form and a representative will get back to you shortly.
