Cherokee Valley Club – Greenville’s Hidden Gem
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Greenville, South Carolina lies the Cherokee Valley Course and Club. If you want mountain views but still need to be close to town, this hidden gem of a community is ideally located to satisfy all your needs. Sitting just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville and less than an hour from Ashville, North Carolina, the Cherokee Valley Course and Club offers a relaxed environment with plenty to do.
This 450 acre development sits adjacent to North Greenville University and offers an outstanding array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fly fishing, white water rafting, boating and more. Cherokee Valley enjoys a mild four season climate which permits outdoor recreation all year long. It is this wealth of activities and climate that make the area such a popular destination for families and retirees alike.
The wonderful 6,728-yard, par 72 P.B. Dye designed golf course is the centerpiece amenity at Cherokee Valley and has everything you want in a mountain golf course – dramatic elevation changes, scenic vistas, great playing conditions, smooth fast greens and plenty of opportunities to score with a properly struck shot. Other amenities include a modern 4,000 square foot fitness center, tennis courts, outdoor pool, putting green, driving range w/ indoor golf academy and the innovative Core 450 restaurant on the top floor of the clubhouse, overlooking the 9th and 19th greens.
The golf course starts out with a forgiving downhill tee shot, but you quickly discover that this is a true test of mountain golf. The greens are smallish in size, and are often perched on ledges or plateaus with huge drops on one side or more. Things really get interesting on the 226-yard par three 6th hole, with amazing views and a more than 70 foot drop from tee to green. Another 70-plus foot drop awaits on the 387-yard par four 7th hole. My high, drawing tee shot hit the downslope and jumped forward, bouncing and rolling down the hill and ending up almost pin high. From there however, I was faced with a flop shot to a tight pin on the green that was at least 10 feet above me. Number 11 is another picturesque hole, and then you get into some devilish short holes with a blind tee shot on 13 followed by the tricky par four 14th that has a creek flowing on both sides of the fairway and in front of the green. Climbing back up the hill on the par five 16th hole leaves you with a risk-reward downhill approach shot over water to the green. You may have managed to successfully navigate your way around the first 16 holes, but don’t get too cocky, because you are left with two of the toughest holes on the course (both long par fours) to end your round.
Cherokee Valley isn’t just a great residential community and golf club, but it’s also a perfect golf getaway for a group. The club owns and maintains several spacious, well appointed Cottage homes right on the golf course. The cottages vary in size, but the one I stayed in sleeps 8+ in four large master suites, a huge great room, full kitchen and a fantastic wrap-around porch to relax on and watch the world go by. The Cottages are just a short walk from the clubhouse, restaurant and practice facilities. Honestly, I don’t think you can do much better as a destination for a 3 or 4 day stay & play package. The rates are amazingly affordable – For example, bring 8 people and everyone can stay in Cottage #1 for $600 per night + $45 per player for golf (Weekends). That’s only $120 per player, per day for golf and accommodations!
Whether you are looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, an active community to retire to or a place for your next buddy trip, Cherokee Valley Course and Club will not disappoint!
Key Mileage Figures
14 Miles to Furman University
18 Miles to Greenville, SC
20 Miles to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
35 Miles to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
48 Miles to Asheville, NC
50 Miles to Clemson University
102 Miles to Charlotte, NC