Whether you golf once a year or once a day, getting out on the course can benefit you in a myriad of ways. From helping you fine-tune your focus to lowering your stress levels, creating connections with family and friends, and developing partnerships with colleagues. The quality of life enhancements golf provides can be further enriched by taking a few steps toward a healthier game as well. Walking an 18-hole course counts as a heart-healthy exercise, and according to the Center for Health and Sport Science at the Rose Medical Center in Denver, carrying your own bag for the duration of the round can burn nearly 1,400 calories.
In case you needed another excuse to get on the greens within The Cliffs, we’ve selected our top three walkable courses for you to enjoy. We’ll begin at Lake Keowee and travel east.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
At the Keowee Falls course, the distance from green to tee isn’t very dramatic and the elevation change is gradual. Pedestrian golfers will enjoy walkways cut through the native fescue areas that are as beautiful as they are easy to navigate. To add a little bonus, the walking paths are shorter than the cart paths. Further, the course offers returning nines, meaning you can walk a 9-hole game and return to the clubhouse – in case you are tight on time.
-Julian Bland
Head Golf Pro at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
The Cliffs at Mountain Park
The Cliffs at Mountain Park gives the golfer not only an unbelievable design, but a very enjoyable walk. As a links-style golf course, golfers will enjoy strolling over the fairway dunes at Mountain Park located at the base of a valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Golfers experience minimal elevation changes along with short walks from the green to the next tee. While walking the course, you will also be able to take in and enjoy the calming sights and the sounds of the Saluda River, as it winds throughout the entire length the golf course.
-Mike Williams
Head Golf Pro at The Cliffs at Mountain Park
The Cliffs Valley
Although The Cliffs Valley is in the mountains, the golf course is relatively flat. That certainly helps make it more walkable than your average mountain course. There are not many holes where our course requires a climb up a steep hill with your bag. A big factor for walkers is the distance from each green to the next tee. Many golf communities that are built with houses on or near the course have long distances between holes that can add a lot of steps for a walker. On these courses, even the most dedicated walkers will usually take golf carts. In most cases at Valley, the next tee is located very close, or if there is a distance, the player can leave their bag and walk back to the tee with a club.
-Matt Pavia
Head Golf Pro at The Cliffs Valley
