Sparkling Greens
At The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, you’ll navigate tree-lined fairways, ravines and coves that tuck in from the lake. With eight holes overlooking Lake Keowee and just about every teebox and green showcasing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this magnificent course takes full advantage of one of the most beautiful pieces of land found in the world. Absolutely one of our members favorites, it comes as no surprise that Golf Digest ranked it among the “Best in the State.”
Tees range from 5,022 – 7,006 yards, but the course is so beautiful that statistics are really a moot point.
Par is 71, probably because Tom Fazio simply could not push the signature 17th any further into the lake.
From the front, just 105/61.6, but Fazio and our greenskeepers make things progressively more interesting at the tips… 141/74.2.
Eight holes on the water and more in the vineyards. Bermuda grass tees and fairways with Champion Ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens.
Tom Fazio, the legend, happens to be a member here and has his design offices in the impossibly quaint and nearby Hendersonville.
Perhaps the important one is designer Tom Fazio’s belief the 17th is the most beautiful hole he’s designed in the Carolinas. And he’s designed hundreds of the very best.
Imagine seven clubs all vying for top honors from the bag drop to the range to the course. The obvious winners are members of The Cliffs, and especially so with respect to the epic practice facilities at Keowee Vineyards. Set privately away from the course, this is a destination and a sanctuary for those honing their game.
After 11 years, Garvin Stewart moved from greeting guests to the shoe shop and locker room. With the parade of people who stop to share a laugh, it’s a wonder he ever gets anything done. But he does, every shoe and locker shining as brightly as his smile. And he’s always got a story to share. He’s part of the elixir that makes this place special.
We wouldn’t have them any other way but it is a subject too often overlooked when selecting a club. After all, the conditioning of the course through four seasons, overcoming terribly dry or wet spells, insects and divoteers… those that keep our emerald carpets in such flawless condition are but another reason The Cliffs stands apart.
Before, during and after the round, the Keowee Vineyards culinary team satisfies every craving, from a hearty breakfast to a celebratory dinner. The club is a warm, inviting place that’s always alive, especially the spectacularly appointed locker and lounges. This is a place that is a respite from the trappings of the modern world.
Tom Fazio The Architect
No living golf course designer has more credits on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses than Tom Fazio. Many in the industry consider him to be the greatest living golf architect, having designed nearly 200 courses. Fazio specializes in creating golf courses that reflect the natural beauty of their environments, and he had few more beautiful pieces of land to work with than the natural canvas at Keowee Vineyards.
Brad Fowler The Pro
“One of the things I enjoy most as a golf professional is seeing and being with members and their family, friends and guests — particularly when they’re at the club for several days. You get to know them both on and off the course, and some of the best moments — especially with the kids — is when we’re off enjoying The Cliffs’ other amenities.
Frank Mobley Member Perspective
“It’s a par 3. It’s all right there: no surprises, no doglegs, no carries over the crest of a hill, no deception engineered by architects or shapers. There you have it, from tee to green a scant fraction of mainstay 4s and 5s. So, why the clammy hands? Why the club choice indecision? Why check the wind — twice — when you haven’t checked it all day? Just look at the pin, right there, so close, literally taunting you. After all, it’s just a par 3. Of course, it’s number 17 at Keowee Vineyards, considered by many to be the best golf hole in the state. And it’s my personal favorite.”
“Hole 17 is the Most Picturesque Hole in the State of South Carolina.”
Tom Fazio
One of America’s Top 100 Residential Courses
Golfweek
Best In State
Golf Digest
Top 10 Best New Private Courses
Golf Digest
The splendid 20,000-square-foot Keowee Vineyards Clubhouse gives members so many vantages from which to take in the views. When you’ve finished your round, enjoy a cocktail on the lovely porch overlooking the 18th green as the sun sets over the Carolina mountains. It’s a favorite place for gatherings that seem to happen extemporaneously most every day.
Of the eight holes on Lake Keowee, none are more spectacular than the downhill par-3, signature 17th. From the tips, it’s all carry across an inlet. From the member tees, the slightest drift left or right will likely find the bottom of the lake. Even a well-struck shot prompts anxious moments as it hangs in the air. Don’t be surprised if a boat settles in for a visit — it’s just as breathtaking a view from the water as it is from the tee.
Not many courses have a true signature hole. Keowee Vineyards has eight breathtaking holes on the water that have helped it earn top honors:
“Tom Fazio says this was one of his all-time favorite projects and hole 5 is likely the catalyst for that statement.
He designed it as a narrow hole that, while it’s guarded by Lake Keowee on the right and well-positioned fairway bunkers on the left, it still provides more than enough room for your tee shot. Your short iron approach is to a small green guarded by bunkers short left and right. To further challenge you, Lake Keowee wraps around the back side of the green and comes into play for a shot going long.”
Brian Peeples
The Cliffs, Director of Golf
If you just can’t wait to call The Cliffs home, you’ll find magnificent
estates, lakefront homes and charming cottages available so you can move right in.
An idyllic home with sweeping mountain views or overlooking the lake from your breakfast table is the promise of Keowee Vineyards, 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.
