Cliffs Communities Keowee Golf Course

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(SIX MILE, S.C.) - The Cliffs Communities, a network of private master-planned golf communities between Asheville, N.C. and Greenville, S.C., added another compelling chapter to its story with the recent opening of its newest Course at Keowee Springs. Designed by esteemed architect Tom Fazio, the 7,100-yard Keowee Springs layout is part of the Cliffs at Keowee Springs, a new 1,600-acre project being branded as the "first luxury family wellness retreat."

Officially opened Sept. 6 in a celebrated party attended by hundreds of Cliffs members and guests, the Keowee Springs Course marks the Cliffs' eighth course now open or in development. For Fazio, the featured guest at the grand opening party, Keowee Springs represents his second project at the Cliffs. Unlike his other course, the Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, features a distinctive layout of three sets of six holes as well as the incorporation of family tees.

"As a father of six, designing a championship-caliber course that presents a challenge for all skill sets, yet is ideal for all members of the family, has been one of my most enjoyable endeavors," Fazio said. "The Cliffs, once again, provided a spectacular canvas, and our goal was to enhance the environment.  While doing so, we offered liberally shaped fairways and greens with special landing areas, a generous amount of groomed turf and aesthetically-placed bunkers.  The six-hole format is particularly convenient for those with busy schedules."

Another unique element to the golf course will be the new home of the state-of-the-art International Institute of Golf. Led by Steve Bann and Dale Lynch, the Australian coaching duo from Melbourne, Australia's acclaimed Victoria Institute of Sport, is perhaps best known for working with PGA Tour golfers Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, KJ Choi and others.
 
Another special element planned for this Cliffs community will be the Cliffs' first resort development, the Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa. Scheduled to open in 2010, the resort will be home to the Springs International Wellness Retreat, a full-service spa, marina, beach club and extensive children's programs, including the 40-acre Camp Springs.
 
"The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is centered on the philosophy that wellness is a value that must be shared with the entire family," said Cliffs Communities founder Jim Anthony. "Tom (Fazio) has created a course that ties in beautifully with this lifestyle. I look forward to seeing our youngest members experiencing it with their parents and grandparents, and avid players growing their game while being challenged."

Founded in 1991, Anthony's Cliffs Communities have been leaders in sustainable master-planned resort-style development. Located in the heart of the Carolina Preserve, the Cliffs' eight private communities are collectively bordered by hundreds of thousands of acres of national forests and state parks.

The golfing experience at The Cliffs is remarkable, comprising two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, the two Fazio courses, Tom Jackson and Ben Wright layouts, one course under construction by Gary Player and another in development by Tiger Woods.