co/written by Bucky Reynolds and Jefferson Burgess
The Place:
Cliff View Golf Club sits along the Jackson River in Covington, VA, halfway between the Homestead and the Greenbrier. It isn’t polished or pretentious. It’s real, beautiful, and full of stories: of families, friends, and fairways carved from farmland.
The Team:
Bucky Reynolds – writer, university professor, longtime member, and senior league regular.
Les Helmuth – reviewer, Virginia Golf Course Reviews.
Benjamin Briggs – golf instructor, coach, and host.
Jen Mann – GM, chef, bartender, and so much more—the heart of Cliff View.
Jefferson Burgess – co-writer and enthusiast.
Callaway – greeter, course dog, and mascot.
The History:
Cliff View is the best-kept secret in the Alleghany Highlands.
- Founded: 1996 by Frank and Susan Sponaugle
- Signature features:
– The Jackson River runs along a mile of the course.
– Steep cliffs and mountain backdrops inspire the name.
– Hole 14 includes a par three dropping 75 feet. - Family legacy: Frank designed and built the original nine holes with his youngest son, Matthew. An avid golfer, Matthew not only helped his father shape the course from day one but also still holds the course record. Today, with Frank and Susan retired, Matthew manages the day-to-day operations, carrying forward the Sponaugle legacy with the same dedication and sacrifice that built Cliff View in the first place. Quite simply, without Matt, there would be no Cliff View.
- Beyond golf: an inn with nine rooms, the Brewhouse, trout fishing, tubing, hiking, and nearby gems like Falling Spring Falls, Sam Snead’s grave, and the historic Humpback Bridge.
The Trip:
I’ll admit it: I put this trip off for way too long. Scheduling conflicts, chasing good weather, the usual excuses. Finally, with storms looming, we just decided to go for it. Lesson learned: sometimes you have to stop overthinking and head out. The storms didn’t roll in until late afternoon, long after our round and festivities were done.
I carpooled with Les from his home in Harrisonburg. He seemed just as excited for the adventure as I was. The drive down passed quickly with easy conversation, small towns, and Valley views along the way.
When we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends. We met up with Bucky, who actually used to camp along the Jackson River on this same land as a kid. Then came introductions with Jen Mann, the GM, and Benjamin Briggs, the golf instructor. We were quickly ushered into the Brewhouse, where cowboy burgers – stacked with smoked Gouda and hand-cut fries – were waiting. The bar itself had been built from trees cleared during the course’s construction, grounding the place in its own history. And then there was Callaway, the course dog, trotting around greeting everyone as they entered the clubhouse.
On the course, Jen joined us and promptly carded her first eagle, complete with photos, cheers, and plenty of celebration. That set the tone: part competition, part camaraderie, and all fun.
Bucky shared stories of the holes. Les observed with his reviewer’s eye. Benjamin Briggs kept us laughing with swing tips and tales. And I…well, I mostly wrangled cameras, mics, and my high score.
The course itself is full of personality. And then there’s the Jackson River, winding along a mile of fairway—beautiful, serene, and treacherous at once.
By the time the storm finally arrived, we were already heading back, laughing about shots and stories. Cliff View had given us everything we came for…and more.
The Aftermath:
After the round, the area offered us just as much adventure off the greens as on them. The Jackson River, flowing right alongside the fairways, invites anglers to try some of the best trout fishing in Virginia. On a hot summer afternoon, you can trade your clubs for a tube or raft and let the river carry you downstream – Jen can even connect you with trusted local outfitters. For those who’d rather stretch their legs, the Jackson River Rails-to-Trail begins only five minutes away, offering easy walking or biking with gorgeous mountain and river views.
And if you’ve got a little extra time, there are a few must-see sights nearby. Falling Spring Falls, an 80-foot cascade that never runs dry, is a perfect spot to pause and soak in nature. Just a short drive away is the quiet hillside grave of golf legend Sam Snead, easily visited on foot from the driveway. In the opposite direction, the Humpback Bridge, a 1857 covered bridge, arches gracefully over Dunlap Creek with its distinctive hump, a reminder of the region’s history. Between the river, the trails, and these unique local treasures, a visit to Cliff View can easily turn into a full day of adventure.
Cliff View isn’t just golf – it’s an experience. Fun, eclectic, and authentic. Rough in places, refined in others, but always welcoming. With the golf, the food, the history, the views, and yes, a dog named Callaway, it’s a day you’ll remember long after your last putt drops.
