Travelers Rest, South Carolina
The Cliffs at Valley brings championship muscle and member-club polish to the foothills of Travelers Rest. Renovated in 2023, its greens and bunkering are sharper than ever, and the setting fuses private club serenity with mountain scenery. It’s not a headline national destination, but for members and guests, it’s a sleek, rolling test where every round feels like an occasion.
The Cliffs at Valley brings parkland-style shotmaking to the South Carolina foothills, with a private-club serenity underscored by Ben Wright’s classically inspired routing. The 2023 renovation gives the course fresh playing edge with reimagined bunkers that dramatically alter key tee shots and approaches, and Champion Bermudagrass greens that reward touch. Subtle elevation, doglegs, and a mix of open and tree-lined corridors mean every hole fits its land spot naturally—and makes club selection a thinking player’s game.
Ben Wright brought restrained, elegant shaping to Valley, emphasizing thoughtful play from tee to green rather than overt wildness. The 2023 renovation has brought sharper defenses and modern green surfaces while maintaining his classic intent.
At 459 yards, this brawny par 4 is one of the Valley's toughest, demanding a pinpoint drive followed by a long iron into an exacting green. Par is a proud achievement here.
Favor the right side of the fairway to open your approach, but don't flirt with bunkers—position is critical. Club up for the second shot as it's typically into a slight valley or breeze.
Stray drives left find trouble, miss right and the angle tightens—mis-hit approaches can find tricky recovery lies.
Pristine private conditioning, newly rebuilt Champion Bermuda greens, and cleanly defined bunkering; expect lush fairways and smooth run-ups.
Member-driven, generally steady; expect a measured pace—no daily-fee crowding.
Exclusive club atmosphere, relaxed yet refined; the Cliffs community channels hospitality and privilege.
Get your speed control sharp before the round—Champion Bermuda rolls quick and pure after morning dew burns off.
Mountain weather turns quickly; pack for cool starts and potential afternoon showers.
With several expanded and new bunkers, shots from sand are unavoidable for risk-takers—dial in both fairway and greenside escapes.
Course opens, designed by Ben Wright.
BMW Charity Pro-Am debuts at The Cliffs at Valley as part of event rotation.
Major renovation: Champion Bermuda greens, new bunkering, reimagined tee complex.
In 2023, The Cliffs at Valley underwent a transformative 15-week renovation. All greens became Champion Bermudagrass, and strategic bunkers were expanded or added, refreshing both the playing challenge and the visual appeal for members coming back to a sharper, more modern Valley.
Valley’s biggest spotlight comes every time the Korn Ferry Tour and BMW Charity Pro-Am hit town. With celebrities, tour hopefuls, and big crowds, the course becomes a tournament playground that tests both game and nerves in a truly professional setting.
When the BMW Charity Pro-Am moved to The Cliffs in 2001, movie star Kevin Costner helped drive excitement for the new era. His backing brought national attention and an added Hollywood sparkle that remains part of the lore.
Ben Wright’s original routing paired parkland grace with the area’s subtle mountain contours, creating a course that both invites the eye and tests the full bag. The Valley’s blend of lush fairways and framed vistas captures the best of private Carolina golf.
BMW Charity Pro-Am host with celebrity buzz
Course underwent a full playable-surface renovation in 2023
Longest hole, No. 9, stretches to a marathon 578 yards
Every green on the course is now Champion Bermuda
Hole 15 is a mountainous 225-yard par 3 that tests every player
Unrivaled mountain drama, Ben Wright’s most spectacular Cliffs design
Core routing on parkland-mountain land—complements Valley’s strengths
Solid daily-fee mountain challenge only minutes away
Bookable, championship-feel course in Greenville
Travelers Rest for golf-first proximity; Greenville for broader restaurants/lodging.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: The Broadmoor Golf Club West Course is a natural next stop after The Cliffs at Valley: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Vestavia Country Club's own setting.
Why it matches: If The Cliffs at Valley is your kind of course, Anthem Country Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?