Member Profile - Sanders Family

Matthew and Renee Jennings acquired Cherokee Valley in 2017 and immediately set about reinventing the property as a family-focused course, club and community. Parents of two young, active girls, they wanted to create an environment in which every generation would feel welcome and right at home.

When Pebble Creek announced earlier this year that it was closing nine holes on its Linkside Course to make way for more residential development, Pebble Creek homeowners Abram and Lauren Sanders decided to find a new “golf home” for their family.

The search didn’t take long.

“We had played off and on at Cherokee Valley for many years and really enjoyed the course and saw the value in the benefits of being a member,” Abram says.

Back in May, the Sanders joined Cherokee Valley as Platinum Members.

Abram and Lauren’s oldest son, Ben, is a freshman at Wade Hampton High School where he plays for the boy’s golf team. Abram is an avid, single-digit golfer who plays with Ben on the weekends and whenever he gets the chance.

Both Abram and Ben utilize Cherokee Valley’s expansive practice facilities, for which the Platinum Membership includes unlimited use and range balls.

“We enjoy using the chipping and putting green and range with unlimited balls,” says Abram.

Lauren and the Sanders’ youngest son, Jonas, love hanging out at the pool and meeting Abram and Ben at Core 450 for lunch or dinner after a round of golf. With Cherokee Valley and the Tigerville area just 20 minutes north of Pebble Creek, the Sanders make the trip “up the hill” at least a couple times a week.

“Ben plays several times a week during the summer for practice,” says Abram. “My dad, Perry, is also a long-time golfer and the three generations enjoy playing together.”

In fact Abram’s family has close ties to the area. His brother Matt, played golf for the North Greenville University men’s golf team and is now living near Kansas City, Missouri where he’s a basketball coach.

“Golf was a big part of our family growing up,” Abram says.

Both Sanders golfers have played the P.B. Dye-designed layout enough to have formulated some strong opinions. Especially Ben, who doesn’t have an “off button” when it comes to playing and practicing.

“We think No. 11 is the most challenging hole because it is tight and uphill with a sloped green,” Abram says.

Most Cherokee Valley members, and golfers in general, would agree that this three-shot par-5 is one of the toughest holes in the Upstate. It rises an eye-popping 120-feet from tee-to-green, and precise positioning is everything on both the drive and second shot.

The fairway widens on the right and a tee shot to this side allows for a clear path to the 150-yard marker. Allow for an extra club or two on the approach shot and breathe a sigh of relief once you’re putting.

Interestingly, Abram and Ben feel like the par-5 fifth hole presents the best birdie opportunity, despite being the No. 2 handicap hole on the entire course. Climbing nearly 60 feet from tee to green, the fifth plays as a true three-shot par-5. The “A” position on the tee shot is the center of the fairway even with the second fairway bunker on the right. 

“It is straightforward and wide open,” Abram says.

When asked about their dream foursomes, father and son both come back to family golf. Well, with one exception. Abram would play with Ben, his dad and his brother, while Ben would play with his dad, grandfather and PGA Tour player Justin Thomas.

As for their dream day at Cherokee Valley, it would entail practicing golf, playing golf and relaxing by the pool, all followed by a family dinner at Core 450. 

“We have brought our friends and family to eat at Core 450, we love the food, especially the fresh pizza,” Abram says. “Our family had a great time at the 4th of July celebration [at Core 450], too.”