Inviting and Rugged
There are waves of native grasses and dramatic mounding, endless seas of sand, a river running through it, two bloodhounds and a rustic, timbered clubhouse – are there adjectives for this kind of golf? The newest addition to The Cliffs’ seven incredible offerings was named one of GOLF Magazine’s Best New Modern Courses the moment the reviewers could tee it up. This is perhaps the most unique, intriguing, rewarding, beautiful, natural and authentic golf experiences on Earth. It is a singular work that has come to define Gary Player’s passion for conservation, and a spectacular experience where one simply runs out of adjectives.
A friendly front tee yardage of 5,019 stretches out to over 7,213 yards from the tips. Did we mention the sand? Thirteen acres worth.
With 14 of the course’s 18 holes playing along and sometimes over a meandering river, a few extra balls are in order as one navigates the par 72 track.
Slope starts at 109, forgiving given the level nature of the routing, but the tips range up to 136. Rating ranges from 62.5-74.5.
One reason for a rating near the top of Golfweek’s Top 100 Best Modern Courses is that the enlightened design makes cart paths virtually invisible.
Gary Player, the most traveled player and designer in history. This is one of his very best, created with Diamond Zoysia fairways and greens of MiniVerde™ Ultra Dwarf Bermuda.
Mountain Park is perennially on the top of everyone’s list.
The design offices of Gary Player overlooked the fields that would one day be the course at Mountain Park. Here, Jeff Lawrence, senior course designer, brought his and Gary’s shared vision to life. Jeff is an accomplished architect, with a career that has included design work for Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio and across the U.S., in Mexico and Italy.
The Joust is an exciting Par 5-3-4-5 finish to the Mountain Park golf course, inspired by architect and golf legend Gary Player. It offers an individual risk-and-reward challenge to the golfer who chooses to accept it. Aiming for a reachable par 4 and with well-executed shots, brave players can experience an exhilarating finish to their game.
If everything is just a bit unique at Mountain Park it is the range that tops the list. There is a two-sided teeing green. Acres for chipping and putting. And because golf is about targets, an array of welded barrels and farm equipment have been fashioned and placed around the range to receive the well-placed wedge or mid-iron. A dollar says you can’t put one in.
If there is a single word for Mountain Park it is authentic. Or maybe it’s rustic. Or honest. All describe the hydration, food and sundries that await behind the rolling barn doors of the turn shack, where a signature is the only currency accepted.
Gary Player The Architect
Recognized around the world as the Black Knight, Gary Player has won 165 tournaments over a five-decade career. He aims for excellence equally in course design, with a passion for fitness and perfection. Mountain Park, perhaps the most walkable of The Cliffs’ seven courses is a place where members have embraced Gary’s fitness mantra. Gary Player Design has created more than 300 courses across five continents, eco-centric and playable by all.
Mike Williams The Pro
Every hole on this course is absolutely unique, notably so the 7th – just 120 yards from the championship tee. Gary Player placed a premium on hitting this green in regulation, so a well-struck tee shot is a must. Left or behind the green may appear safe, but a very tough pitch or chip from well below the green awaits. Short and right of the green is protected by bunkers and the Saluda River. How much fun can you have on such a short hole?
Paul Schweibinz Member Perspective
“We had the rare opportunity to work with Gary Player some 20 years ago. Then and now, he is inspiring. So we were anxious to see a course ranked by both GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as one of their “Best New Courses.” The immediate impression is how a flat valley could appear so undulating, how cart paths were made to disappear, and how grasses, sand and a river can play host to eighteen completely different holes. It is absolute magic and I love it.”
One of the Top 100 Residential Courses in America
Golfweek
Awarded Best New Courses of 2013
Golf Magazine
One of the Most Loved Features at Mountain Park are Its Two Leading Golf Ambassadors, Copper and Shugar.
For an easygoing afternoon or evening in rustic, casual surroundings, The Cabin has become a fast member favorite. Like the course, which is filled with handcrafted tee markers and wooden benches, the Cabin’s rustic looks lend it a rough and tumble feel. Just beneath the surface, there’s a well-appointed retail shop, where you can find just about anything under the sun.
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After a round it is but three quick steps up the hewn wooden stairway to the long bar in the Cabin at Mountain Park. One could ask, is there a warmer, cozier, friendlier place to lift a glass and share a meal than here? We’d suggest not as the camaraderie is infectious, spilling from the bar to the seats on the wide veranda. And if there is a surprise here it’s the cuisine — inspired, contemporary and fresh — featuring produce fresh from Broken Oak Organic Farm at The Cliffs, but a mile away.
“Mountain Park is one of the best Gary Player courses that I have ever stepped foot on and provides a completely different experience for the golfer. The Cliffs courses are always in phenomenal condition from tee to green, and the Diamond Zoysia fairways at Mountain Park were awesome! Every staff member we encountered were welcoming and friendly — we felt like they were glad to have us out there.”
Clay DuBose
SC Golf Course Ratings Panel
If you just can’t wait to call The Cliffs home, you’ll find magnificent estates, charming cottages and comfortable condominiums 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 Mountain Park, 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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