Four Things to Check-Out This Fall at Cherokee Valley

Just like that, fall is in the air. 

Daily highs are “plunging” into the 70s, the air has that certain feel to it and football is back. This autumn at Cherokee Valley is shaping up to be the busiest three-month stretch since owner Matt Jennings acquired the course and club in 2017. 

As we’ve written about here at The Kee numerous times, there’s the imminent debut of Core 450 in a few months as construction wraps up. But there’s plenty going on around the course and club to get excited about in the meantime. 

If you’re a regular and just need a little nudge to return and experience our P.B. Dye-designed layout again, or if you’re yet to play one of the Upstate’s most thrilling courses, here are four reasons to come out and explore Cherokee Valley this fall.

1. Bunker Love

Bunkers define a golf course is so many ways. They frame holes, guard greens and add a beautifully contrasting aesthetic to the otherwise lush green hues.


Conversely, they are inherently challenging for golfers to play from, and difficult for golf course superintendents to maintain.


In late August, Cherokee Valley began a major bunker enhancement project that will significantly improve the playing experience for our members, guests and daily fee players.



The existing sand is being replaced with new G-Angle Sand, a firm, angled sand that limits “fried egg” lies and holds up to our afternoon thunder showers. Just as importantly, it looks really, really good.


Bunkers on holes nine, 16 and the practice range sport the G-Angle Sand, and holes three and 17 are in the process of being upgraded.


And as P.B. and owner Matt Jennings were riding the course together a few months ago, they also flagged a handful of bunkers that had become obsolete and could be replaced with sod.


You might notice this on holes six, seven and 11, as well as a partial sodding of a bunker on No. 2. Holes three and 17 are also undergoing the transition. 

2. Overseed Extraordinaire

Time flies, as just a few months ago we were writing about the amazing, extensive overseeding Superintendent Chad Taylor undertakes to keep Cherokee Valley green tee to green in the winter months.


Well, it’s that time again and Taylor has spotted the first fall “cold” front in the 15-day forecast that triggers his ordering of 13,000 pounds of rye grass. More than 3.2 billion seeds will be spread over 35 acres in the span of just 10 hours.

For golfers, the transition is seamless. As the Bermuda grass goes dormant, the rye grass springs to life. And Taylor’s obsession focus on seed density ensures players have optimal fairway lies to hit from.


The overseeding is typically fully “installed” by late December or early January and will be around until May or even early June as the Bermuda wakes up.

3. Ride in Style

There are two ways to experience the golf course: in a not-so-traditional E-Z-GO golf cart with JBL Bluetooth Speakers and high-def GPS screens.


Or on the exciting new Finn Cycles, motorized scooters that are a flat-out blast for cruising on Cherokee Valley’s rolling hills (editor’s note: you just haven’t lived until you’ve ridden a Finn down the ninth and 18th fairways).


What’s more, they are allowed just about anywhere on the course other than on the greens. And for golfers seeking to maintain social distancing, the Finns are a great single rider alternative to the golf cart.

4. Memberships and Game Packs

With the opening of Core-450 and the new golf shop below it, refreshed bunkers, more new golf carts on the way, and additional capital improve projects slated for 2021, Cherokee’s value-laden memberships are popular with those in search of a “golf family” and to commit themselves to this great game.


Ranging from full family and singles to young professionals and corporate, year-long memberships require no initiation fee, no food and beverage minimums or annual assessments. We offer a full slate of member tournaments and events, and (coming soon) off property activities and adventures.


Being a member is all about fun and family, but it’s also about getting better. Several memberships offer unlimited use of the world-class practice facility with driving range, putting green, practice bunker and short game area.


Nine and 18-hole Game Packs are ideal for those who’d like to get to know the course and club, prefer to “pay as they go” or to give as gifts.


However you prefer to “Cherokee” we’ve got it covered.


For more information about Cherokee Valley’s affordable memberships, contact Associate Director of Operations Lauren Landreth at llandreth@cherokeevalleyclub.com or (864) 895-6758 x2.

The Kee | Cherokee Valley Club

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