Director of Cycling
George Hincapie holds the record for riding, and being on the winning team of, more than any other rider in Tour de France history: Seventeen. As Director of Cycling, George develops special programs for members, leads private rides throughout the year and participates in special events at The Cliffs.
Wakeboarding Coach
Abby began wakeboarding in college. After turning pro in 2012, Abby took seventh overall at Wake Games. Currently ranked 12th in the world, the tour takes her around the globe. Each summer, Abby returns to Lake Keowee to work with members of The Cliffs, sharing her love for the sport of wakeboarding through group clinics and private lessons.
Outdoor Adventure Supervisor
A graduate of Clemson University’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management program, Anna Claire brings a background in community recreation, sport and camp management to The Cliffs. From group hikes to paddle boarding excursions and kayak tours — even summertime Explorer Camps for kids — Anna Claire coordinates and leads exhilarating events for our members who come to The Cliffs to enjoy the great outdoors.
Director of Golf Instruction
Sean Kennedy began his golf career in 1993 and has been a PGA Class A Golf Professional since 1997. A passionate teacher and innovator, Sean developed a proprietary skill-based golf learning process exclusive for members of The Cliffs, which has been hailed by Golf Channel’s Cameron McCormick as “ahead of the curve.” He is certified in FlightScope, The Golfing Machine and Gray Institute Biomechanics and was nominated for PGA Carolinas Teacher of the Year 2015-2017.
Director of Beverage
Eric is a certified wine specialist and Advanced Sommelier. Whether you’re a foodie, budding oenophile or full-blown wine connoisseur sharing his passion for the fruit of the vine, you’re sure to see Eric around our communities. Eric and his stellar team of fourteen sommeliers are on hand to select the perfect pairing for your dinner, whether you’re enjoying a meal at our clubs or preparing a dinner party in your home.
Director of Wellness
Five years of service in the United States Marine Corps founded Ryan’s passion for health, nutrition, and fitness. Ryan finds constant inspiration in helping members achieve goals they previously thought to be impossible, and the prolonged determination it creates toward expanding their boundaries through a greater belief in self. Boasting certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and Gray Institute of Functional Science, Ryan guides members of The Cliffs in their health journeys and leads all aspects of The Cliffs’ wellness initiatives, including tennis, outdoor exploration and fishing.
Exercise Physiologist
Vance is an internationally renowned strength and conditioning coach and accomplished exercise physiologist with a deep understanding of human biomechanics. He has worked extensively with a variety of populations on sports performance and corrective exercise and brings this expertise to his role as The Cliffs Exercise Physiologist, guiding members through comprehensive personal training and specialized training recovery from surgery or injury. As a former USA Cycling coach, Vance also leads regular group cycling rides and one-on-one cycling training.
Director of Tennis
Peter Burwash International tennis professional Tess Lang boasts an overflowing trophy case and résumé that includes stints at such internationally-renowned tennis destinations as the Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club and Four Seasons Lanai. Tess’s talent and passion for the sport established a thriving tennis program at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in 2014. Now in her role as Director of Tennis for The Cliffs, Tess channels that raw talent, deep passion and years of experience into growing tennis programming and enjoyment for all members.
Cycling Guide
One of the only Americans ever to finish on the podium in the Tour de France, Bobby Julich brings his unparalleled experience and passion for the sport to The Cliffs’ growing group of avid cyclists. As Cycling Guide, he leads group rides, skill clinics and more. He is best known for his expertise in the time trial — one that brought him overall wins at Paris-Nice, the Eneco Tour and Criterium International, as well as a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games time trial.
Cycling Guide
Christian Vande Velde’s illustrious cycling career includes countless accomplishments — a 2008 Team Time Trial victory at the Giro d’Italia, where he become only the second American ever to don the coveted maglia rosa; a 2011 Tour de France Team Time Trial win and Best Team victory; and is a two-time top 10 Overall Tour de France finisher (2008 and 2009). Now known as the voice of cycling for NBC and NBCSN, Christian is vocal about his passion for the sport and eager to share his advice and experience with our members.
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