Seven Things to Get Excited About at Cherokee Valley in 2021

The global pandemic has had a major impact on both the restaurant industry and construction-related supply chains. But Core 450, our casual dining venue, is on pace to open this spring in time for the peak golf season. 

“The timing could not be better to shine,” owner Matthew Jennings recently told The Core, our restaurant blog. “This area needs a place that is a safe beacon to enjoy great food in a welcoming atmosphere. We have the opportunity to serve our guests in our open-air, indoor dining room along with dining outdoors while enjoying beautiful views and music.”

We’ll soon have a more definitive date for the grand opening; to keep up-to-date on Core 450 news, specials, events and more sign-up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

2. The Debut of ‘The Shop’

There was a time when pro shops were stuffy, intimidating environments that were neither welcoming nor expeditious of the check-in process. Not so with the “The Shop.” Located under Core 450, The Shop beckons golfers with a bright, modern interior, craft beer cooler, flat screen TVs and the latest golf and lifestyle apparel from local and national brands. 

The golf cart storage is adjacent to The Shop, and the cart staging area and pick-up is a straight shot out the back door. From there, the first tee (formerly the par-4 third hole) is just a few yards away. Talk about efficient! You can grab some more details here.

3. Golf Course Reconfiguration

Oh, and about that “new” first hole, we can’t wait to unveil our new hole configuration, which is actually a return to the original routing devised by our golf course architect, P.B. Dye. We anticipate several positive changes from this. 

First, it offers golfers a “softer” start to their round, with a manageable par 4, short par 3 and reachable par 5. Second, it allows for a true “turn” after the ninth hole (currently No. 11) where golfers can restock on drinks, snacks or grab lunch to go. 

Confused, yet? No worries, you can get the entire “play by play” on the course reconfiguration at our blog post from 2020. We tested it a few times last year and the feedback from golfers was tremendous.

With a destination restaurant, stay-and-play cottages, event space, championship-caliber practice range and the region’s only P.B. Dye design, 2021 is the year Cherokee Valley will truly emerge as the Upstate’s premier golf destination. 

Already, golfers are visiting from as far as Atlanta and Charlotte to experience our mountain-style layout via Finn Cycle. We recently hosted Jeff Smith, a PGA Professional from Indianapolis, and his son for golf via Finn.

“Of all the courses I’ve played across the country, the Finn Experience at Cherokee Valley provided one of the most unique and exciting ways to enjoy a round of golf on a premier course,” Smith said after his round. 

5. Finn Cycle Frenzy

7. Junior Golf

The National Golf Foundation estimates that the game added more than 500,000 junior golfers to its ranks in 2020, the largest increase since the Tiger Woods effect of the early 2000s. We couldn’t be happier about this news.

Family golf is at the core of our mission and creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of our young players is imperative for growing the game. We’re planning a full slate of junior golf events and camps this year, including our First Tee program and FCA Golf Camp.