Member Profile - The Pinheiros

This month, The Kee sat down with new members Steven and Natasha Pinheiro to talk about their Cherokee Valley experience. Steven, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, originally hails from California and Natasha, a chiropractor and real estate agent, is from Maryland.



Proud parents of three young adults, Codi, Clay and Lindsay, they moved to the Upstate from Charleston a few years back, settling in the Lake Robinson area. Now, they are Cherokee Valley residents and members and are loving life in their newfound golf community.

How long have you been members?

We’ve been members for six months and have a Platinum Family Membership. We enjoy golf and the pool and our kids also love the pool.

What attracted you to Cherokee Valley?

It’s such a beautiful community [with the mountains and scenery] and we have friends who live in the community in proximity to our home.

How many times per week do you play, and do you keep a USGA handicap?

We don’t keep a handicap, right now we are playing a couple times a week if we are lucky.

When you do play, is it typically as a twosome, with other couples or as part of a group? Or do you usually play separately?

It’s a combination of everything, we are enjoying playing as a couple or with other members. I (Natasha) played for the first time back in April and Steven is a longtime golfer who loves working on his game.

Have you participated in any of the member events or tournaments, like the member-member, or the Masters?

We haven’t been able to yet, but we look forward to participating in more events and outings this year.

What do you like about the golf course? Do you have a favorite hole?

It is such a challenging golf course, especially when you’re a beginner like me [Natasha]. Each time we play it’s an opportunity for us to improve our game. The par-3 sixth hole is definitely a favorite for both of us because of the views [of Glassy Mountain].

What are a few of your favorite things about being a member?

We like not only the practice range and the golf course but also the pool and the fitness center and now Core 450. We also like the cottages and having them available for stay-and-plays or just lodging for family and friends when they visit. The take and bake dinners [from executive chef Todd Warden and his culinary team) on Wednesdays were great when we didn’t feel like cooking. And we’re really excited to try Core 450.

How do you feel the opening of Core 450 and The Shop have changed the complexion of the club?

Core 450 is a great place for members to dine and gather, and the chef Todd and the food are top notch. We’re especially excited about the outdoor seating on the patio and the amphitheater. We hope it attracts other new members to Cherokee Valley.

Can you describe your perfect day at Cherokee Valley, whether it’s on the course, off the course or a combination of both?

We’d spend some time on the range hitting balls, putting and working on our short games. Then we’d play nine or 18 holes with a Bloody Mary and then top it off with a meal and live music [at Core 450].

What would you tell someone who’s considering joining Cherokee Valley?

Steven’s first response to this question was, “practice your short game!” The staff is great, the course will keep you on your toes and Core 450 is sure to please [even the most discerning palette].