Welcome to Cherokee Valley Club
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A ‘Happy Place’ for Greenville-Area Golfers: Cherokee Valley is Open for Golf, Good Times and Carry- Out Meals
Leading up to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s order yesterday closing “non-essential businesses” across the state, golfers around Greenville County crossed their fingers, prayed to the golf gods, or did whatever it takes to keep one of our last outdoor sanctuaries open.
Apparently, the collective will-power worked. As of approximately 4:20 p.m. on March 31, and for the foreseeable future, golf courses are not included on the Governor’s list of “non-essential” businesses mandated for temporary closure.
“A great sense of relief,” said Cherokee Valley Course and Club owner Matt Jennings when asked how he and his team felt when the ruling was announced. “And not just for our business but for our members, guests and community. So many people have told us that we’re their ‘happy place’ during all of this and that means a lot to us.”
With the Furman Golf Course closing indefinitely along with the university and Green Valley Country Club private and open to members, only, Cherokee Valley is one of the only options for golfers on the northwest side of Greenville County.
And Jennings and his team are making sure it is the safest option for golfers as well. The National Golf Course Owners Association (NCGOA) issued a set of COVID-19 guidelines for courses to follow to adhere to social distancing and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations for cleanliness and sanitation.
Cherokee Valley is following these guidelines and regulations to the letter, and beyond.
Golfers can book and pay online, check-in at tables located on the Event Center deck with a team member who is over six-feet away, load their own clubs on a completely sanitized golf cart and be on their way.
And in the Event Center there’s a limit of six people allowed inside together, and all common touch points, like door handles, are frequently sanitized.
“Safety is our number one focus,” Jennings says. “It is imperative that golf courses recognize it as a privilege, and not a right, to be open right now.”
Carts are limited to single riders, except for “companions” and family, and walking is encouraged. The layout is hilly, especially the final six holes, and a limited number of pushcarts are available to help take the load off.
On the course, water coolers have been removed, flagsticks are required to stay in the hole (foam rings keep balls near the top of the cup for easy extraction), rakes have been removed from bunkers and golfers can smooth the sand with their feet.
“Cherokee Valley has gone out of its way to ensure some semblance of order to our daily routine,” says Jane Chase, a member from Herndon, Va. “We are fortunate to be able to get exercise in the fresh air and to play golf on a well-groomed, world-class course knowing management has taken all of the precautions to ensure a safe, sanitary environment.”
Member Tom Bozeman and his family also breathed a collective sigh of relief following the governor’s press conference. He says his two adult sons are living with him and his wife at Cherokee Valley instead of their apartments. The family relishes its time playing nine or 18 holes, or simply hitting balls at the club’s spacious practice range.
“Once you leave the clubhouse and head to the first tee, you forget about the present crisis as you pass by a small, clear lake and look out on a lush green overseeded fairway,” Bozeman says.
Members and those familiar with Cherokee Valley know it is remarkably fortunate to have a world-class executive chef on property in Todd Warden. Warden and his team have created a wildly popular take-and-bake, carry-out service with specials updated weekly.
Recent offerings included country-fried steak with Southern style green beans and mashed potatoes, buttermilk fried chicken with sweet corn and short rib shepherd’s pie stuffed full of meat and veggies. Soups and salads are also featured weekly.
Golfers can call-ahead or post-round to order off the Express Menu, which includes salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and even short rib tacos. Warden, who has cooked for Hollywood stars, former Presidents and even Julia Childs, sources local ingredients when possible and ensures all food is prepared in an uber safe environment.
“Many of us have been cooking a lot more than normal during the coronavirus, so it is nice to pick up a meal that you can trust, from a trusted source,” says Bozeman. “The [take and bake] meals are already fully cooked and just need to be warmed up if you don’t take the meal straight from Matt’s kitchen to your table.”
Chase says she loves seeing new faces out and about on the golf course – even if she has to keep her distance for now. While Cherokee Valley is member and community-focused, it is not only open, but welcoming, to outside play.
“Come on up, golf in a clean safe environment and if you plan ahead you can take advantage of the opportunity to have a wonderful home cooked meal prepared for you,” says Chase. “Who doesn’t appreciate a night off from kitchen duties?”
A day on the golf course and a night off of cooking does indeed sound like a recipe for happiness in the weeks to come.
For more information about memberships, golf packages and other innovative programs and amenities at Cherokee Valley, contact Associate Director of Operations Lauren Landreth at llandreth@cherokeevalleyclub.com
or (864) 895-6758
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The Kee | Cherokee Valley Club
Pool season is in full swing starting May 1st! We are excited to see new and returning members enjoy the pool this season. We all at Cherokee Valley want to thank everyone for their patience with the upcoming renovations at the Venue. We are in the final stages of completing the kitchen and outside gathering area. We’re hopeful to have the kitchen fully up and running by Memorial Day, we will keep you updated on the progress and date of completion. Pool Hours: 8:00am - 8:00pm Tax Not Included (Gold, Young Pro) Day Pass: $15.00 Guest Fees: $5.00 We are continuing the same check in process as last year. Wrist bands will be required when attending the pool for monitoring purposes. Check in will be in The Shop if a pool attendant isn’t present. We want to ensure the pool is a safe, clean, and fun environment for our members! PLEASE NO OUTSIDE FOOD AND ALCOHOL ALLOWED! Note: With exceptions to snacks (Ex. Chips, Crackers, etc.) While the kitchen is being constructed at the Venue, Cart Dash privileges extends to those attending the pool. Please call 864-977-8444 for food and beverage service from Core 450! The Shop provides a wide variety of snacks and beverages as well; please call 864-689-3585. We are glad to serve! For any questions about the pool, please email nwoodfield@cherokeevalleyclub.com or give us a call at 864-689-3585, we will be glad to serve you!
Upcoming Events
Golf Season is Here!
Excited about Venue improvements, including a new bar, kitchen, beautifully landscaped outdoor gathering space. Projected to be completed this, Summer! Stay tuned for more updates!
“Our entire goal has been to make this a dream club experience for families".
Matthew Jennings
Owner
Visit
450 Cherokee Valley Way,
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
The Shop Hours:
Open Daily from 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Core 450 Hours:
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday 10:30 am -2:00 pm