The Cliffs announces Connor Roy as Head Golf Professional at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards and Gayle Starke as Member Services Director at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
July 22, 2020
The Cliffs is delighted to announce Connor Roy as the new head golf professional at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards and Gayle Starke as the new member services director at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Roy and Starke both bring invaluable experience to their roles at each community and their appointments reiterate The Cliffs’ commitment to providing members with unparalleled service and experiences.
Prior to joining The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Roy served as the first assistant golf professional at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. At the esteemed resort he was responsible for the day to day operations at Osprey Point Golf Course, including managing the staff, maintaining exceptional service, planning and executing tournaments and promoting and managing clinics and private lessons. Roy’s vast PGA experience also includes roles at Prestwick Country Club, Victoria National Golf Course and Green Valley Country Club. Roy studied at Coastal Carolina University and holds numerous professional certifications in golf instruction and management.
Starke’s experience in hospitality began when she transitioned from a professional performer at Walt Disney World to acting as a concierge at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. After moving to the Asheville area, she worked at Omni Grove Park Inn as the spa front desk agent, and before coming to The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Starke served as the executive assistant and member concierge at Champion Hills Club. The golf club and community recognized her as its Employee of the Year due to the remarkable service she provided members. Born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland, Starke studied professional dance at Laine Theatre Arts College in London.
“We are poised to exceed the stellar level of service provided at Walnut Cove and Keowee Vineyards with the appointments of Gayle and Connor to leadership roles,” said Rob Duckett, president of The Cliffs. “The communities will greatly benefit from their knowledge and expertise and we are thrilled to welcome them to the team to further enhance and differentiate The Cliffs experience.”
Named for the vineyards of native muscadine grapes that wind through the community, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards boasts mountain vistas with exhilarating lakeside living. It offers a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a lush park, numerous trails and a restaurant overlooking the sparkling lake. One of The Cliffs’ most spectacular clubs, Keowee Vineyards is home to an equestrian center, full-service marina and stunning clubhouse.
Inspired by the ageless villages of Europe, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is nestled in a lush valley and bordered by the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway. The private club community features a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, an expansive club village with a tavern and restaurant, an impressive wellness center, nearby hiking trails, and Creekside Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture program providing members with fresh, seasonal produce.
