We hear it all the time here at Cherokee Valley …
“We would have played here years ago if we knew it was this close.”
Or …
“We weren’t sure if you were a public or private course.”
Then there’s …
“I remember the course used to be called The Gauntlet. Sounds intimidating. I assumed it was too difficult for my group.”
Which got us thinking that “Five Things You May Not Know About Cherokee Valley” might be a good topic for a future blog post.
Well, the future is now. And speaking of that the first item, above ….
Have questions about our memberships? We are here to help! Contact our membership team at membership@cherokeevalleyclub.com or (864) 689-3585.
Greenville wasn’t always this big. In fact, just 10 years ago, satellite communities like Travelers Rest, Greer and Simpsonville felt like separate small cities, separated from Greenville by undeveloped land. Not so much, anymore.
But the truth is, the Tigerville area has always been closer to Greenville than most people realize. And now, with more improved state and county roads, getting up here is easier than ever.
From downtown Greer, “TR” and the Taylors / Pebble Creek area, it’s just a 15 to 20-minute drive. Even downtown Greenville is just 30 minutes away.
We actually have members who live throughout the region, and daily fee golfers who visit from Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Easley, Spartanburg and other surrounding cities.
Heck, we even have players come in from Charlotte and Atlanta to stay in a cottage and play a round on a Finn Cycle.
The National Golf Foundation estimates that 90 percent of a given golf course’s golfers live within a 30-minute drive radius. If that’s the case, we like our chances of seeing you here, soon.
Oftentimes, it’s the elephant in the room when it comes to Dye-designed courses, whether it’s Pete, Perry or our architect of record, P.B.
Dye courses can be challenging, to say the least. Afterall, “Dye-abolical” is a term for a reason. But P.B. has a softer side when it comes to course design.
While his father’s work no doubt impacted his approach to his craft, P.B. has always designed courses much like he approaches life – with a smile on his face and skip in his step.
“People always ask me what my design philosophy is,” said P.B when he stopped by to see us last year. “Well, did you have fun? Did you want to come back? That’s my philosophy. You have to design courses that are enjoyable for men and women or you’ll never have a happy couple play your golf course.”
Play here even once and you start to pick up on the nuances of the layout. For example, you’ll know to keep your tee shot left of the standalone oak tree in the fairway on No. 2 (No. 18 once Core 450 opens).
Or to favor the left side of the fairway on No. 6 so your tee shot can carom off the side of the hill back onto the fairway. If you’re the type who likes to prepare for your round in advance, check out our course guide for tips on playing all 18 holes.
P.B. also wanted golfers to be able to enjoy several par 4s without having to rely on driver off the tee. You’ll see this on short two-shotters like No. 9, No. 10 and No. 16. For long hitters, driving the green on No. 9 is a tempting option.
We are spoiled here in the Upstate. Top-flight college courses like Furman Golf Club and the Walker Course at Clemson are within easy striking distance. But many folks don’t realize Cherokee Valley is home to North Greenville University’s men’s and women’s golf teams.
Anyone familiar with college golf programs knows that host courses need to meet certain standards in terms of length, difficulty from the back tees (or middle tees for women) and conditioning.
They also must have top-notch practice facilities, and we’re proud to offer one of the region’s most comprehensive game improvement resources with our driving range, practice putting green and short-game area.
Says North Greenville University (NGU) Head Golf Coach Robbie Edwards:
“Cherokee Valley is a good test of golf for our athletes. You have to hit a variety of clubs off the tee and shape the ball both directions to be successful. From the back tees, Cherokee Valley is one of the most demanding courses in the state. But from the forward tees, it’s playable for anyone.”
There’s nothing wrong with playing golf on dormant Bermuda grass. But after a while, don’t you just crave green grass? Cherokee Valley is one of the few courses in the Upstate that overseeds tee boxes and fairways with rye grass each year.
Our long-time superintendent, Chad Taylor, takes great pride in his annual overseeding process. Most years, he even makes the trip down to Augusta National to study how the famed club handles its perfectly executed rye grass application.
We believe golf should be inclusive. That’s the way the game was brought into this world in Scotland during the 15th century. And introducing as many people as possible to the sport is our path to the future.
That stated, we know there are golfers who want to be a part of a “home course and club” and join a golf family filled with events, tournaments and social activities. Cherokee Valley offers a variety of memberships, ranging from Junior and Young Professional plans to Family and Individual plans.
There are no initiation fees, no food and beverage minimums, and no contributions to a reserve fund, as you’ll find at most private clubs. Monthly dues are among the lowest in the Upstate; our Platinum Family Membership includes unlimited golf (cart fee not included), range balls, pool and fitness center access and (when open to the public) the Yount’s Wellness Center at NGU as is just $210 a month.
Well, there you have it, and we hope that helps.
For more information on memberships, or to arrange a tour of the club and golf course, click here or contact the membership team at membership@cherokeevalleyclub.com or (864) 689-3585.
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday 10:30 am -2:00 pm