Eyes on The Reserve at Lake Keowee for BMW Charity Pro-Am

BEST GOLF COMMUNITIES IN THE CAROLINAS

Next week, May 14th through May 17th, golf enthusiasts “world-wide” will have all eyes on The Reserve at Lake Keowee in the Upstate South Carolina for the 2015 BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation.  Referred to as “The Garden of Eden” this majestic region filled with rich forestry, “jaw dropping” mountain views, and cascading waterfalls are nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlook the sparkling clean Lake Keowee.  This Web.com Tour event began it’s history in 2004 when two World Class Golf Hall of Famers, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player participated in the BMW Charity Pro-Am. The 18-Hole Championship Golf Course at The Reserve at Lake Keowee was designed by the infamous Jack Nicklaus. It’s no wonder Baby Boomers are choosing the best golf communities in the Carolinas for retirement.

This signature event is right around the corner and tickets are still available. Another twist for this “better-ball” competition is the new Big Break: Warrior Edition at The Reserve at Lake Keowee on Wednesday, May 13th benefitting the “Wounded Warrior Project and Upstate Warrior Solution”.  

The Big Break: Warrior Edition hosted by The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a super cool event with 12 teams consisting of an amateur, a Web.com Tour professional, a local celebrity or Warrior, and a junior golfer who will compete in a wide variety of golf skill challenges, including putting, chipping and driving. This family friendly event will also have entertainment and loads of fun activities for the entire family. 

The 2014 BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation tournament raised $836,883 for local charities, bringing the total raised over the life of the event to over $10.8 million.  To date, more than 120 celebrities, including Kurt Russell, Wayne Gretzky, Catherine Bell, Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid have participated in the tournament, which is broadcasted worldwide by the Golf Channel. While attending the tournament, this is great time to explore Lake Keowee real estate and the amazing waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina.

Amateurs, celebrities and pros rotate between all 3 courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with 10 lowest scoring pro-amateur teams, six lowest scoring pro-celebrity teams and the lowest 65 pros (and ties) advancing to play the final round on Sunday at Thornblade.  Celebrities play once at each course on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  The Professional winner of the overall 72-hole event will take home $121,500 from the total purse of $675,000.

When attending the BMW Charity Pro-Am there are a few things folks need to know:

• Gates open at 7am the day of the event.
• Online ticket sales for the 2015 BMW Charity Pro-Am are now closed, however, tickets can be purchased at the gate during tournament rounds, May 14-17.  To purchase tickets at the gate, park at spectator parking, ride the shuttle to the course and purchase tickets at the SANDLAPPER Securities Will Call, which is located near the shuttle drop off at each course.  
• It is recommended that those attending the event wear comfortable walking shoes, hat or visor, light jacket, umbrella, sunscreen, binoculars, cash for concessions and credit cards for souvenir merchandise. 

There are several exciting events being held to compliment this significant event:

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:

• On Thursday, May 14, “The Celebrity Concert on Main” presented by Piedmont Natural Gas & The Reserve at Lake Keowee will be held on Main Street (between Court & Broad). 6-10pm.  This FREE concert on Main Street in downtown Greenville will feature celebrities of the 2015 tournament, including Mark Bryan and Dean Felber of “Hootie and the Blowfish” will take the SANDLAPPER Securities Stage for a truly unique jam session as 11 of their celebrity friends join them on stage.  Folks attending can cool off in the Reyka Glacial Lounge and enjoy concessions by local favorites Papi’s Tacos, Passerelle Bistro, Highway 301 Food Truck and Larkin’s on the River.
• On Saturday, May 16, “Pink on the Links” presented by Greenville Health System, encourages attendees to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness. “The best protection is early detection.  Visit ghs.org/cancer to learn more how GHS Cancer Institute raises awareness in the community with a staff of highly skilled physicians and healthcare team members who utilize the lastest in diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and research options available.
• On Saturday, May 16, Baby Boomers can look forward to the “Balvenie Master Class Scotch Tasting” with Balvenie Brand Ambassador David Laird which will be held in the Casual Lounge (1st Floor) at the Thornblade Club.  Sessions are scheduled at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and are first come, first serve so plan on arriving early.
• “Birdies for Beer” presented by Michelob Ultra – Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 at Thornblade Club’s 9th hole – Spectators will enjoy special beverage pricing for 10 minutes each time a Web.com Tour pro or amateur contestant makes a birdie on this par 3.
• “Birdies for Socks” presented by Kentwool – Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 at Thornblade Club’s 18th hole – Spectators will enjoy special pricing on Kentwool socks in Thornblade’s merchandise tent for 10 minutes each time a Web.com Tour pro or amateur contestant makes a birdie on this par 4.
• “Birdies for the Brave” – Thursday, May 14-Saturday, May 16 at Green Valley Country Club 9th hole – Green Valley Country Club will donate $250 to the charity “Birdies for the Brave” each time a pro or amateur contestant makes a birdie on this par 4. Military Appreciation VIP seating will be provided on the 9th hole for all service members and their families.
• “Mike Creery Love for the Game Junior Golf Zone” – Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 at Thornblade Club – Youth are invited to this fun area on the course where they can hit golf balls, receive free snacks and have the chance to win prizes and meet Web.com Tour pros. Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm.
• “The Hendrick’s Very Unusual Bar” – Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 at Thornblade Club – Explore the world of Hendrick’s Gin at this delightfully curious bar on #18 at Thornblade.
• “The Reyka Glacial Lounge” – Thursday, May 14-Sunday, May 17 at Thornblade Club – Cool off in the REYKA Glacial Lounge located on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse. Credentials with clubhouse access are required.

Twenty-nine celebrities are scheduled to appear in the 2015 tournament, including seven first-time* participants. Eleven celebrities are scheduled to perform at “The Celebrity Concert on Main” presented by Piedmont Natural Gas and The Reserve at Lake Keowee on Thursday, May 14. 

PERFORMERS:

• Anthony Anderson, actor (Black-ish)
• Steve Azar, country music artist
• Lucas Black, actor (NCIS: New Orleans)
• Mark Bryan, Hootie and the Blowfish guitarist
• Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona Cardinals placekicker*
• Javier Colon, musician and winner of The Voice, Season 1
• Lisa Cornwell, Golf Channel broadcaster
• Jay DeMarcus, Rascal Flatts bass guitar
• Jeffrey Donovan, actor (Burn Notice)
• Debbe Dunning, actress (Home Improvement)
• Dean Felber, Hootie and the Blowfish bass guitarist
• Colt Ford, country music artist
• Dennis Haysbert, actor (24 and The Unit)
• Sam Hennings, actor (Memphis Beat)*
• Oliver Hudson, actor (Nashville)
• Richard Karn, actor (Home Improvement)
• Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015*
• Jim McMahon, two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback
• Frankie Muniz, actor (Malcolm in the Middle)
• John O’Hurley, actor/TV personality (Seinfeld, host of Purina’s National Dog Show)
• Terry O’Quinn, actor (LOST)
• Kevin Rahm, actor (Mad Men)*
• Rob Riggle, actor (The Hangover and Step Brothers)
• Ed Roland, Collective Soul lead singer*
• Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts lead guitar
• Gary Valentine, actor/comedian (Here Comes The Boom)
• Tim Wakefield, former Boston Red Sox pitcher*
• Clay Walker, country music artist*
• Patrick Warburton, actor (Seinfeld)

The revenue raising event is not only for charities but impacts the local community. In 2013 Clemson University’s Institute of Tourism Research and Development conducted a study of the economic impacts of expenditures relating to the tournament’s operations and found that the 2013 tournament generated total direct spending of $4.712 million, supported 139 jobs and generated net local government revenues of $541,048 and net state government revenues of $868,479 with a total output/impact yield of $6.744.  

IMPACT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY:

• Each year more than 2,000 hotel room nights are booked as a direct result of the tournament.
• More than 900 volunteers donate their time and talents to help run the tournament.
• The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation is the only event held in Upstate South Carolina that is broadcast around the world for four days.
• A total of 3.4 million people tuned into Golf Channel’s coverage of the 2014 tournament, up 16% from 2013
• Since 2001, 121 celebrities have participated in the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation. View a complete list of 2001-2014 Celebrity Participants.
• All past winners of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation have gone on to play on the PGA TOUR.

The 14th annual BMW Charity Pro-AM presented by SYNNEX Corporation raised $836,883 for Upstate South Carolina charities, including The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Charitable Foundation.  The tournament’s 2014 charity earnings pushed the total charitable giving since 2001 to more than $10.8 million.  These funds are part of PGA TOUR’S more than $2 billion raised in all-time charitable contributions.  Officials from South Carolina Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization  that manages the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation presented checks to charity representatives at the Charity Check Presentation presented by High Cotton which was held at the downtown Greenville restaurant on August 18th.  

While attending this “one-of-a-kind” golf tournament in the Upstate, Boomers looking for the perfect place to retire would be smart to take the time to tour the properties available at the Lake Keowee real estate development while hanging out with the friendliest folks in the Carolinas. Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Sunset, South Carolina, the private community has over 300 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 acres of protected as green space.  Lake Keowee is named as of the “Best Boating Lakes” by Links Magazine and is also popular fishermen. The lake is home to large mouth and spotted bass.  While the 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus is the obvious trophy amenity, its fabulous 20,000 Square Foot Clubhouse is part of the $100 million plus in superb amenities making this community a great place to call home.  Property owners living in this refined mountain neighborhood, have access to a plethora of amenities:

THE RESERVE AT LAKE KEOWEE AMENITIES

• 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance 
• 18-Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus 
• 20,000 Square Foot Golf Clubhouse with dining 
• Lakefront Pool Complex & Grill 
• Resort-style Outdoor Swimming Pool 
• Four Lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts 
• Fitness Center 
• 5 1/2 Miles Walking Trails 
• Community Parks and Dog Park 
• Great Lawn  
• 200 Boat Slips and Marina 
• Village Market 
• Founders HallLegacy Program (Since 2010, parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren of property owners can enjoy the benefits of membership with The Reserve’ Legacy Program) 

Celebrating more than 10 years of development, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is an established gated community spreading across 3,900 acres. The lakefront neighborhood has over $100 million dollars of family amenities completed including the Lakefront Pool Complex & Grill overlooking Lake Keowee accented by fun water features for the kids with relaxing Jacuzzi's for Mom & Dad. The Tennis & Fitness Center has Nautilus equipment and four lighted Har-Tru tennis courts for anytime play.

Residents who enjoy the outdoors will find 5 1/2 miles of manicured hiking trails to explore inside The Reserve SC. The walking and bike paths connect all the neighborhoods, parks and common areas. Waterfront Park & Trail is the most popular lighted half mile trail along the water. For the more adventurous types, there are over 350 miles of trailheads winding through adjacent forests and state parks surrounding The Reserve at Lake Keowee and is a place where hikers will find some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina. The Orchard House is the community’s 20,000 square foot clubhouse to enjoy dinner in a club atmosphere overlooking the Croquet Lawn. For a boxed lunch on the go, The Village Market offers groceries, unique gift items and has a fresh deli. Musical events, art exhibits and non-denominational worship take place in the New England style Founders Hall. Whether raising a young family or for retirement, The Reserve at Lake Keowee has it all.

It’s a place where families and friends can share the adventure of being at home in one of the most beautiful areas. When shopping for Lake Keowee real estate be sure to schedule a waterfall tour to explore the 150 waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina.

One of the privileges of living at The Reserve is property owners enjoy the following privileges while attending the BMW Charity Pro-Am:PERKS TO THE RESERVE CLUB MEMBERS:

• Reserve Members will receive two (2) Member Credentials per household. These Credentials are your ticket into the tournament and may be picked up from the Club Concierge at the Orchard House during regular business hours: 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week. All Reserve Members receive Clubhouse-level Credentials (the highest level of access for spectators) that allow access to the tournament as well as the Orchard House. Your Member Credentials are valid for all four days of the tournament and allow you to access to all three courses and their Clubhouses.
• Guests/Non-Member Credentials - If Reserve Members cannot use their credentials they are free to share them with other members or non-members. Members and non-members may purchase additional tickets as needed. Credentials may be pre-ordered online or purchased on-site the day of tournament.
• Member and Non-Member Community Access - The Tournament is directing all contestants, spectators, volunteers, etc. to the Main entrance to access The Reserve property.  Reserve Access Control Officers will be stationed at that gate.  The GPS Address to this gate is 2999 Crowe Creek Road, Sunset, SC  29685.  Signage on Reserve Blvd. will direct Pro and Amateur Contestants to the Orchard House Monday through Saturday.

This is the golf event of the year to attend in the Carolinas. If you're unable to attend, why not make a donation anyway to these to support these well deserving men and women who put their life’s on the line to support the beautiful country we call home, the United States of America. Imagine owning a home at one of the best golf communities in the country, The Reserve at Lake Keowee. Whether for retirement, a second home or as the place to raise a young family, you’ll find the friendliest folks at The Reserve.

To schedule a tour or for more info about the tournament, call The Reserve direct 877-922-5253.