The Preserve at Verdae Golf Club

Ask a resident of Greenville, South Carolina where the best place to play is and they may well reply The Preserve at Verdae. Formerly known as Verdae Greens, this enchanting Willard Byrd design from 1991 is the chief amenity of the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center, but you don t have to stay overnight to reserve a tee time. The Preserve at Verdae is a scenic, fun, and very challenging championship layout that hosted the Greater Greenville Classic on the Nationwide Tour (now Kornferry?Tour) from 1992 to 2000. Carved out of a Carolina forest and almost entirely free of housing, this lush layout rambles over rolling hills and meadows that are criss-crossed by babbling brooks. No matter which of the five sets of tees you utilize on this playing field that?extends from 5,022 yards to 7,104 yards, you are in for a challenge. The first two holes allow you to ease into the round, but thereafter, The Preserve at Verdae hardly lets up. Elevation changes, tilted terrain, and thick woods that frame the fairways make for tough challenges. Accuracy is a must, as the tee shots are especially challenging and positioning in the fairways is essential to set up approach shots. Because of the elevation changes, you can expect some blind shots during the round. The Preserve at Verdae boasts fast, smooth, Mini-Verde Bermuda greens that confound many players and present the layout s last line of defense against par. Even if you are having a rough day, the gorgeous backdrops and surroundings of The Preserve at Verdae should cheer you up. Houses come into sight on only one hole. The club has garnered national attention for its environmental commitment to harmonize the golf course with nature. Since 2011 more than 35 percent of The Preserve at Verdae s 175 acres have been  naturalized to promote the environment, create wildlife corridors and reduce the use of chemicals. All of the holes are named after their unique surroundings and natural features. Chances are you ll see wildlife often wild turkeys, ducks, hawks, raccoons and a proliferation of wildflowers during the round. The Preserve at Verdae s comprehensive practice facilities include an all-grass driving range, chipping green, sand bunker, and putting green. The clubhouse is basic with a pro shop and snack bar.?Because of its ties to the Embassy Suites, located just across the parking lot, the club hosts plenty of events and outings. Don t miss out on a tee time at The Preserve at Verdae if you are anywhere near Greenville.