A Look at The Best Golf Courses in Upstate South Carolina | The Cliffs

Discover Our Top Golf Courses in Upstate South Carolina

We are proud to offer the best private golf experience in America. Among our golf courses’ most notable attributes are their service, amenities, and design. Each of these elements contributes to the creation of masterpieces, or golf courses, you can enjoy day after day. It’s no wonder our playing venues are among the best golf courses in Upstate South Carolina.

Here at The Cliffs, we value year-round play, a variety of golf experiences, and most importantly, a high caliber of membership opportunities. Learn more about our golf membership experience below.

1. The Cliffs Valley Golf Course – Travelers Rest, South Carolina

A beautiful valley nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cliffs Valley is part of the esteemed Mountain Region at The Cliffs. The town is set among spectacular vistas and the charming mountain towns of Flat Rock, Hendersonville, and Greenville. 

The Cliffs Valley is a great course for players of all ages and abilities. A four-season climate and its location allow golfers to play here almost every day of the year. In order to preserve the natural features of the course, Ben Wright left the terrain mostly untouched.

With impeccably maintained Bermuda grass tees and fairways, as well as champion ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens, the course has a parkland-style feel. There is a range of 4,174–7,029 yards from tee to green at the tips, and challenges are presented in surprising ways, including water. 

2. The Cliffs at Mountain Park Golf Course – Marietta, South Carolina

The Cliffs at Mountain Park offer members 2,000 acres of private mountain land to explore. You’ll never run out of things to do here, whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, or fishing at the North Saluda River or the stocked Greene Pond. Aside from these perks, you will also find one of the best golf courses in Upstate South Carolina. 

The Cliffs at Mountain Park golf course was designed by Gary Player, who has designed hundreds of courses on five continents. Taking into account the mountain landscape that surrounds Mountain Park, he used Diamond Zoysia fairways and MiniVerde Ultra Dwarf Bermuda greens.

The course is characterized by a meandering river that winds through the majority of it. There are 14 holes along the river, adding an extra challenge to an already challenging course. From the tips, a friendly front tee yardage of 4,288 extends to over 7,213 yards.

3. The Cliffs at Glassy – Landrum, South Carolina

best golf courses in upstate south carolina

At the highest point of Glassy Mountain, this community was the very first to be built at The Cliffs. Having seen the breathtaking views from the top, it’s easy to understand why it became the home of our original community.

The Cliffs at Glassy golf course climbs and descends Glassy mountain, creating dramatic changes in elevation that challenge players to maintain focus. The first hole offers views of blue-toned mountains and a lake framed by native vegetation. While golfers are enjoying their time on the bentgrass tees, greens, and fairways, it’s hard not to take a moment to admire the beauty that surrounds them.

There is no better example than the 13th green, which is ranked the 4th most scenic hole in America. There’s no denying that this par 3 is the defining hole at The Cliffs at Glassy. This par 72 course has undulating greens and uneven lies, keeping it interesting.

4. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards – Salem, South Carolina

The charm of the mountains is combined with the serenity of lakeside living at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards. Touted for being one of the best golf courses in Upstate South Carolina, playing here is an experience like no other. Taking its name from the distinctive muscadine grape vineyards that can be found throughout the area, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards offers spectacular views of Lake Keowee. 

The Keowee Vineyards golf course was designed by Tom Fazio to enhance the shimmering waters of Lake Keowee. There are eight holes overlooking the water, the most dramatic being the 17th par 3 hole, which plunges dramatically into the lake. Fazio calls it the most beautiful hole he has ever designed in the Carolinas. 

Besides the stunning views, the golf course has Bermuda grass tees and fairways with Champion Ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens that are kept in impeccable condition throughout the year. It is one of the most beautiful courses in the Upstate, with tree-lined fairways and hidden coves tucked into Lake Keowee.

5. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls – Salem, South Carolina

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls is a thriving community where spending time in nature is part of the culture. From meandering streams to rushing waterfalls, exploring the mountainous landscape won’t require you to leave the property. 

Jack Nicklaus, considered to be the greatest golfers of all time, designed The Cliffs at Keowee Falls golf course. Using Bermuda grass tees and fairways, along with Champion Ultra-dwarf on the greens, he seamlessly integrated the course into the residential neighborhood, which made the course play fast and firm. 

Falls Creek winds through seven holes that many members consider to be the most challenging of the seven total courses at The Cliffs. Featuring numerous elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, streams and ponds, as well as numerous par 3 holes, the course lies amid lush woods and wildflowers.

6. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs – Six Mile, South Carolina

The Lake Region is home to one of the fastest-growing communities, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. A short drive from Clemson, Keowee Springs offers the simplicity of lake living while also enjoying the amenities of a vibrant college town. It is recognized as one of our most family-friendly communities, with direct access to the Keowee Springs Beach Club and The Surf Shop. 

Designed with three loops of six holes each, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs golf course allows short rounds to be played if desired. Each hole also features family tees, so the whole family can participate in the fun game. Mountain views and a lake backdrop provide breathtaking views of the course.

This premier golf course challenges players with its undulating terrain, natural hazards, and gradual height changes. Alongside the fairways of this Jack Nicklaus signature course, players can enjoy the sights and sounds of flowing streams and tranquil ponds. 

A Golf Experience Unmatched

To our members, golf is more than just a game. As a result, The Cliffs has worked with some of the top golf course architects of all time to create masterpieces for playing and connecting with nature and fellow community members. The luxury golf experience only offered at The Cliffs allows residents to take advantage of every moment of their lives. Our seven distinct communities  — including our Asheville Region enclave in Asheville, North Carolina — offer daily opportunities for adventure.

Learn more about our golfing experience at The Cliffs, and why our communities are home to the best golf courses in Upstate South Carolina.