1954 Planning Meeting
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley (CCSV) stands as the crown jewel of the valley’s mid-century transformation. Its history is a journey from a private family dream to one of the most prestigious member-owned clubs in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
1956 Clubhouse - CCSV
The story of the club begins with Gene Howerdd Sr. and his acquisition of the 8,500-acre Sapphire tract in 1954. Howerdd’s primary motivation was personal: he wanted a world-class golf course where he and his friends could play without the restrictive policies of neighboring clubs.
To build it, he turned to George Cobb, a legendary golf architect known for his ability to integrate courses into natural topographies.
The Site: Howerdd selected the 2,000-acre southern tract, which included flat, fertile valley floor—a rarity in the rugged Appalachian chain.
The Design: Cobb’s layout utilized the winding Horsepasture River and the dramatic backdrop of Bald Rock Mountain.
The Opening: In 1956, the course officially opened as part of the Sapphire Valley Inn and Golf Club. It quickly gained a reputation for its "walkability" and breathtaking views, serving as the social heartbeat of the Howerdd family’s growing resort.
Gene Howerdd Jr. and Gene Howerdd Sr.
For nearly 15 years, the club operated under the direct management of the Howerdd family. During this period, it wasn't just a golf course; it was a destination for elite travelers. The club hosted legendary figures and established the "Sapphire tradition" of refined mountain hospitality. Howerdd continued to refine the club, adding the Country Club Apartments and Golf Club Estates to create a true residential golf community.
Country Club of Sapphire Valley 1960 - early1980s
In 1970, the Howerdd family sold their interests to the Realtec Corporation. This marked a decade of transition where the club was part of a larger corporate portfolio.
Expansion: Under Realtec and later CertainTeed, the resort began to shift toward a higher-density model, but the Country Club remained the "anchor" of the valley's prestige.
The Move Toward Independence: As the developer-owned model grew more complex, the core membership of the golf club—many of whom had been there since the Howerdd days—began to discuss the possibility of taking control of their own destiny.
Country Club of Sapphire Valley 1980 Brochure
The most significant turning point in the club's history occurred in 1983. Realizing that the interests of a national developer and a private golf club were beginning to diverge, the members successfully negotiated the purchase of the club from the developers.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley became a private, member-owned club, decoupling its future from the commercial resort operations of the Sapphire Valley Master Association.
CCSV
CCSV
Image Description
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley (CCSV) is a premier private, member-owned club recognized for its "friendly" culture, blending a 1950s heritage with modern amenities. Modern facilities feature a 32,000-square-foot clubhouse, a renovated George W. Cobb-designed championship golf course, and expanded racquet sports including pickleball. For more information, visit
[The Country Club of Sapphire Valley].
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley (CCSV) offers a range of elite recreational and social amenities centered around its private mountain setting.
Sports & Recreation
Golf: A walkable 18-hole championship course designed by George W. Cobb, featuring a full practice facility with a driving range and putting greens.
Racquet Sports: The Racquet Center includes four Har-Tru tennis courts and dedicated pickleball courts.
Lawn Sports: Two regulation-sized, bent-grass croquet lawns that host organized events like "Wine and Wickets".
Fitness & Wellness: A modern Fitness and Wellness Center offering group classes such as Yoga, HIIT, TRX, and Spin, as well as personal training and staff-led weekend hikes.
Aquatics: A heated outdoor lap pool for seasonal exercise and recreation.
Clubhouse & Social Amenities
Dining: Multiple venues including the Main Dining Room for formal meals and the newly renovated Elevation 3042 for casual dining and takeout.
Wellness Services: Dedicated space for massage therapy, esthetician services, and a sauna.
Private Events: A 32,000-square-foot clubhouse with a newly constructed ballroom (seating 225) and a Mountain Veranda for outdoor gatherings.
Interest Groups: Over 20 social interest groups ranging from bridge to book clubs that foster community connections
June 19, 2017 CCSV Fire
On the night of June 19, 2017, a catastrophic explosion and fire caused extensive damage to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley (CCSV), destroying nearly half of the iconic clubhouse and shaking the community for miles around.
The Incident: A Chain of Events
The disaster began around 11:00 p.m., shortly after a fundraiser for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society had concluded. According to investigations by Blue Ridge Public Safety and local fire officials, the following sequence of events led to the blaze:
The Initial Impact: An employee operating a golf cart accidentally struck an outside propane tank at the loading dock, causing a significant gas leak.
Ignition: Propane fumes drifted toward the building and were ignited by a nearby fireplace that was still burning on the patio.
The Explosion: Roughly 15 minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene, a propane tank exploded with a force so powerful it was felt as far as 10 to 15 miles away.
June 19, 2017 CCSV Fire
Miraculous Escapes and Heroic Actions: Despite the scale of the blast, no lives were lost. Credit for this was largely given to a kitchen manager named Jim, who recognized the smell of gas and immediately ordered all staff to evacuate the building.
The Blast Force: The explosion was so intense that it knocked several arriving firefighters to the ground and pushed a security officer back into his vehicle.
Injuries: Only one firefighter sustained minor injuries; all other staff and first responders were accounted for and safe.
The Damage and Response: The fire was fought by multiple departments from Jackson and Macon counties, as well as units from South Carolina. While crews were able to save approximately half of the building, the southern portion suffered a total loss.
June 19, 2017 CCSV Fire
Destruction:The kitchen, dining areas, and much of the area south of the main lobby were completely destroyed.
Water Impact: A boil water advisory was briefly issued for the surrounding area due to the volume of water used to battle the blaze.
Legacy of Resilience
In the immediate aftermath, club officials and members expressed a unified resolve to rebuild the facility. The event became a defining moment in the club's history, showcasing the bravery of the local fire departments and the deep-rooted community spirit of Sapphire Valley.
