Golf fairway framed by trees (illustrative)

Jack Nicklaus Signature
Lake Keowee, SC

Keowee Falls Golf at The Cliffs

A private par-72 Nicklaus course carved through forest, where Falls Creek comes into play on seven holes.

Opened
2007
Par
72
Yardage
3,684–7,171
Slope
111–146
Rating
61.3–75.6

The Course

A Nicklaus Course Shaped by Water

Keowee Falls opened in 2007 as a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, and Golf Magazine named it one of its Top 10 New Private Courses. Nicklaus used Falls Creek and the existing streams as the backbone of the design.

Members often call it the toughest test at The Cliffs: big elevation swings, long par 3s and water that asks for a plan on every shot. Woods and wildflowers line the holes, with almost no houses in sight.

Golf course with bunkers below forested ridges (illustrative)

Design & Layout

Creek, Forest & Elevation

Falls Creek in Play

Falls Creek and other streams cut across at least seven holes. Nicklaus built his strategy around the water, so the creek shapes many tee shots and approaches.

Mountain Terrain

About 160 acres of rolling ground with real elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, ponds and long par 3s.

Nature Over Houses

The course was laid out so that almost no homes are visible from play. It feels like golf through a forest preserve.

Fast & Firm

Bermuda grass tees and fairways with Champion ultradwarf greens, set up to play fast and firm.

Waterfall over layered rock in the South Carolina mountains

By the Numbers

A True Test

  1. 7

    Holes on Falls Creek

    The creek and nearby streams come into play on at least seven holes. Bring a few extra balls.

  2. 160

    Acres of Course

    Rolling, forested ground with real elevation change from tee to green.

  3. 10

    Holes in View

    The clubhouse terrace looks out over Falls Creek and up to 10 of the 18 holes.

The Golf Campus

Clubhouse & Club Life

Flagstick on a rolling green surrounded by hardwoods (illustrative)

The Clubhouse

A grand 28,000 sq ft clubhouse in a turn-of-the-century style, with a long porch of rocking chairs.

The Terrace

An outdoor terrace with views over Falls Creek and up to 10 of the 18 holes.

Wellness Center

A heated zero-entry pool, spa services and fitness space for recovery after a round.

Tennis & Pickleball

Four lighted Har-Tru courts plus pickleball, for the non-golf days.

One Club, Seven Courses

Keowee Falls Golf Membership

Golf at Keowee Falls comes through membership in The Cliffs, which is tied to owning a home or homesite in one of its seven communities. Buy here and Keowee Falls becomes your home club.

  • Golf Membership includes all seven Cliffs courses
  • 14-day advance tee times and member events at your home club
  • Play at the other six is subject to availability and club rules
  • Active Membership covers wellness, racquet, dining and lake amenities, with limited golf
CourseDesignerPar · Yards
Walnut CoveAshevilleJack NicklausPar 71 · 7,167 yds
Keowee FallsLake KeoweeJack NicklausPar 72 · 7,171 yds
Keowee VineyardsLake KeoweeTom FazioPar 71 · 6,999 yds
Keowee SpringsLake KeoweeTom FazioPar 72 · 7,100 yds
Mountain ParkMountainsGary PlayerPar 72 · 7,213 yds
ValleyMountainsBen WrightPar 72 · 7,029 yds
GlassyMountainsTom JacksonPar 72

Live by the Course

Keowee Falls Golf Homes & Homesites

Near the Course

Homes and homesites close to the Nicklaus course, which was routed to keep homes mostly out of view.

Near the Clubhouse

Easy walks or cart rides to the clubhouse, practice area and dining.

Inventory changes often. Published community ranges: homes $1M–$5M+, homesites $100K–$1M+.

Buying in South Carolina? Troy is your first call and connects you with a trusted SC partner.

Ask Troy About Golf Homes

Good to Know

Keowee Falls Golf FAQ

Who designed the Keowee Falls golf course?+

Jack Nicklaus. It is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course that opened in 2007, one of two Nicklaus courses at The Cliffs along with Walnut Cove.

How hard is the Keowee Falls course?+

It is often called the most challenging of the seven Cliffs courses. Expect elevation changes, long par 3s and Falls Creek crossing seven holes. Ratings run up to 75.6 with slopes up to the mid-140s.

How long is the course?+

It is a par 72 that plays from about 3,684 to 7,171 yards, with course ratings from 61.3 to 75.6.

What grass is on the course?+

Bermuda grass tees and fairways with Champion ultradwarf Bermuda greens.

Is Keowee Falls golf open to the public?+

No. It is a private club course for members of The Cliffs and their guests.

Can Keowee Falls members play the other Cliffs courses?+

Yes. A Cliffs Golf Membership includes all seven Cliffs courses, with 14-day advance tee times at your home club. Play elsewhere is subject to availability and club rules. See the membership guide for dues and fees.

How do I buy a golf home at Keowee Falls?+

Start with Troy. Troy is your first call and connects you with a trusted SC partner, and he can explain how membership works before you commit.

Talk to Troy First

Troy is your first call and will connect you with a trusted South Carolina partner.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls is a community of The Cliffs Communities, Inc.; this site is independent of the club. Course photos are illustrative and do not show Keowee Falls. Troy Norton is licensed in North Carolina. For South Carolina property, Troy is your first call and connects you with a trusted SC partner. Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed; verify details with the club.

Photos: Unsplash (Gerda Kauks, Matthew McBrayer); Wikimedia Commons (James Willamor, CC BY-SA 3.0; Gareth Rasberry, CC BY-SA 4.0).

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