SIX MILE, S.C., September 6, 2008 – Today, Jim Anthony, CEO and founder of The Cliffs Communities (www.cliffscommunities.com), and renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio officially opened The Course at Keowee Springs, a 7,100-yard championship design constructed with today’s family in mind. This addition, bringing The Cliffs collection of completed golf courses to six (two of which are designed by Fazio), brings a new twist to tradition by featuring a distinctive layout of three sets of six holes as well as the incorporation of family tees. The Keowee Springs course will also be home to the state-of-the-art International Institute of Golf led by Steve Bann and Dale Lynch – the famous Australian coaching team who has worked with Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby and KJ Choi, among others.
“The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is centered on the philosophy that wellness is a value that must be shared with the entire family. Tom has created a course that ties in beautifully with this lifestyle,” states Anthony. “I look forward to seeing our youngest members experiencing it with their parents and grandparents, and avid players growing their game while being challenged.”
“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,” states Fazio. “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.”
-The Course at Keowee Springs-
The 7,100-yard, par 72 course at Keowee Springs offers an original design. Families may choose to explore the option of playing any or all of the three six-hole options, while avid golfers will enjoy walking the traditional 9 or 18 hole tracks. One of the most versatile designs in Fazio’s award-winning repertoire, Keowee Springs combines a family tee with a back tee championship golf experience skilled golfers expect.
The first par five provides an example of how the course caters to skilled and beginner golfers alike. It plays uphill slightly to a landing area guarded by a bunker on the right. Once a player reaches this area, a choice must be made. While a wide fairway approach is available for the novice, the player must decide how much risk to take. To go for this green in two requires a well hit ball that negotiates three bunkers along the right side of the green. A bunker left of the approach is present for players to respect the consequences of a bail out. A lay-up shot hit to the left will not provide the player with the optimum visibility or green depth, while a shot laid well back will have to avoid a bunker along the left side of the fairway. For a good chance at birdie, the approach shot must be played to the correct level of this two-tiered green.
-The International Institute of Golf at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs-
The International Institute of Golf, opening later this year, takes a holistic approach to golf instruction by focusing on technique, physical conditioning, mental skill development and strategy training. Steve Bann and Dale Lynch, considered the dynamic duo at Melbourne, Australia’s renowned Victoria Institute of Sport (V.I.S.), worked with Fazio to create a comprehensive facility where every shot in the game can be taught and practiced. The Institute, exclusive in North America, will also feature the latest computer, video and motion analysis technology as well as a separate, innovative indoor training area. Customized “Improvement Cycles,” defined by each golfer’s talents and goals, will be implemented for every student. “Although we are proud of our accomplishments with some of the world’s most elite golfers, some of our biggest thrills have been teaching students to break 100 for the first time,” states Lynch, who has permanently relocated to The Cliffs. Bann will continue to make regular visits for weekend programs and events.
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs: America’s First Luxury Family Wellness RetreatSM
Setting the standard in family retreats, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is a 1,600-acre private community centered on the philosophy that wellness is a value that must be shared with the entire family. It offers a wide variety of waterfront, waterview and golf course home sites and turnkey residences, Tom Fazio championship golf course, The International Institute of Golf led by instructors Steve Bann and Dale Lynch, and Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa resort opening 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-acreCamp Springs. For more information on The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, visit www.discoverkeoweesprings.com.
About The Cliffs Communities
Founded in 1991 by Jim Anthony, The Cliffs Communities is devoted to the sensible development of residential communities and other properties within the United States and around the world. The Cliffs’ domestic properties include eight premier, private master-planned residential communities located in the heart of the Carolina Preserve between Asheville, N.C., and Greenville, S.C., collectively bordered by hundreds of thousands of acres of national forests and state parks. The golfing experience at The Cliffs is unrivaled: A collection of eight championship courses includes the first U.S. design by Tiger Woods, Gary Player’s new “river course” design, a parkland-style course from Ben Wright, a classic from Tom Jackson, and the only club in America to offer two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and two Tom Fazio designs. A single, all-encompassing membership offers unlimited access to everything that is The Cliffs – from golf and tennis to marinas and equestrian to restaurants and clubhouses – as well as access to The Cliffs Retreat Collection of international destination vacation properties in British Columbia, Chile and the Bahamas. For more information, call (866) 435-5127 or visit www.cliffscommunities.com/info.
Contact:
Crissy Poorman/Gina Stouffer
Lou Hammond & Associates
(561) 655-3836
crissyp@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
www.louhammond.com
Jamie Prince
The Cliffs Communities
(864) 371-3007
jprince@cliffscommunities.com
www.cliffscommunities.com
