The Three Loop Design
Unlike most 18-hole courses, Keowee Springs is routed in three distinct six-hole loops. This gives members the freedom to play shorter, flexible segments—ideal for families and quick rounds that suit any schedule or group.
The verdict
Scenic, Playable, and Member-Driven
Keowee Springs brings Fazio’s architectural polish to South Carolina’s Upstate, blending inventive three-loop routing with relaxed, family-first play. While it lacks marquee national prestige, its lakeside views and flexible format make every round feel like a vacation day.
Course DNA
Difficulty
68
Scenery85
Conditioning81
Shot Variety81
Walkability66
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor74
Design Quality80
At a glance
Quick facts
Architect
Tom Fazio
Routing
Three loops of six holes
Setting
Lake Keowee mountain-lake scenery
Family focus
Multi-tee 'family tees' system
Clubhouse
New clubhouse opened 2023
Member events
Hosts Lake Keowee Couples Invitational
Access
Private – members and guests only
Opening year
2008
The design
The architecture
Keowee Springs is a showcase for Tom Fazio’s flair for marrying challenging golf with user-friendly fun. Its standout feature: a rare three-loop routing, grouping the 18 holes as three sets of six; flexibility rules here, as does constant variety in visuals and shot demands. The course rides the slopes above Lake Keowee, leveraging elevation and water outlooks, and weaves broad fairways, strategic bunkering, and open-fronted greens into an accessible yet engaging whole. The ‘family tees’ echo the community’s casual, multi-generational ethos, while a new clubhouse anchors the atmosphere with style.
Fazio focused on creating a playable mountain-lake course suited for members of all ages, pairing variety with a resort-caliber visual experience.
Defining features
- Three separate 6-hole loops for flexible routing
- Lake Keowee as repeated scenic foreground
- Playable fairways with movement and width
- Fazio-contoured greens inviting creative approaches
- Strategic bunkering set against the hillside terrain
- Modern clubhouse sited above the finishing green
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 9
Cove Crossing Par Three
PAR
3
YARDAGE
209
With nearly 210 yards of carry and winds off the lake, this testy one-shotter brings both accuracy and nerve into play. The backdrop of water and surrounding hardwoods makes it the memorable end to the front nine.
Play it smart
Trust your mid/long iron and favor a shot that runs in from the open front—avoiding the short right where lake winds swirl.
Where it bites
Miss short or right and risk a splash, with a tough up-and-down from bunkers or rough if too aggressive.
Course management
Shots to think about
Three-Loop Routing
Pick your six-hole loop based on daylight and energy; the design supports shorter, stress-free outings.
Long Par 3s
Err on the side of an extra club—underclub here and you’ll struggle to save par from deep bunkers or chipping zones.
Bold Greenside Play
Fazio’s greens offer open fronts—use low pitches and run-ups, especially in firm conditions.
Wind off the Lake
Double-check your club selection; lake winds shift quickly and demand confidence on approaches.
Precision on Par 5 Layups
Focus on your layup zone—reaching in two is rarely the smart play, but ideal third-shot angles set up birdie looks.
Finishing Stretch Pressure
Play to your strengths on holes 16 and 18—par is an achievement, don’t force heroics unless you need a birdie.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Well-kept turf and greens, private-club standards throughout the season.
Pace
Relaxed, family-oriented rounds; many opt for six or twelve holes.
Vibe
Friendly, low-pressure, with a lake resort atmosphere.
Dress code
Traditional golf attire expected, collared shirts and appropriate shorts or trousers.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Extra Golf Balls
The lake and slopes eat up mistakes around signature par 3s and 4s—be ready for the odd lost ball.
02
Check the Loop Start
Plan which six-hole loop you want to start with; members love the flexibility for nine- or twelve-hole play.
03
Adjust for Elevation
Expect uneven lies and account for uphill and downhill shots—Fazio uses mountain slopes to keep you thinking.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2008
Course opens with Tom Fazio design and unique 3x6-hole routing.
- 2012
Cliffs communities sold following founder bankruptcy; Keowee Springs remains centerpiece in development.
- 2015
Receives 'Best in State' nod from Golf Digest.
- 2019
Course maintains reputation as fun, scenic, family-oriented.
- 2023
Completion/opening of new clubhouse overlooking the 18th green.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Lake Keowee Views at Every Turn
With several holes wrapping around dramatic lakeside vistas, the course brings Upstate South Carolina’s natural brilliance front and center. The transition from wooded corridors to open water outlooks makes for a constantly changing round.
A Fazio Family Playground
Tom Fazio designed Keowee Springs not just for low scores, but for smiles and inclusivity. Family tees and creative, forgiving fairways welcome all skill levels—making it a favorite for teaching and bonding generations.
The Clubhouse Revival
A modern clubhouse built in 2023 has become the lively social heart of Keowee Springs, hosting not just golf celebrations but weddings and events that overlook the 18th green and the gleaming lake below.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The entire 18 holes can be played as three separate six-hole loops—unusual flexibility for a full championship layout.
2
A family-friendly tee system encourages juniors and short hitters to play alongside experienced golfers.
3
The course’s dramatic lake and mountain setting delivers standout photo moments, especially at sunrise.
4
The new clubhouse (2023) serves as one of the best lake-view gathering spots in The Cliffs club portfolio.
5
Despite not hosting major championships, Keowee Springs has become a vital home for member-family tournaments and celebrations.
Build the trip
If you’re planning an Upstate SC golf getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards
Private
Nearby Cliffs course, also on the water with challenging, acclaimed holes.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
Private
Another Fazio mountain-lake course; offers a distinct test for Cliffs members.
The Cliffs Valley
Private
Rolling terrain and diverse layout; ideal as a companion round if you have access.
Stay in Clemson or Seneca for easiest access to Keowee Springs and the lake.
Course DNA
If You Like The Cliffs at Keowee Springs
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.7
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Pawleys Island, South CarolinaScenery
Why it matches: If The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is your kind of course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match8.7
Sand Valley
Nekoosa, WisconsinWhy it matches: Sand Valley is a natural next stop after The Cliffs at Keowee Springs: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.9
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course)
Pebble Beach, CaliforniaScenery
Why it matches: Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course) is a natural next stop after The Cliffs at Keowee Springs: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Community Sentiment
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