60 years of Excellence

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: 2021/09 – September

While Wildcat Cliffs Country Club revels in its 60th anniversary season, members and staff are realizing just how much its founding principles are embedded within the lives of everyone involved.

These were ideals formulated by founder Bill Matthews. He knew how easily the community he envisioned could be split into camps of Seasonal Residents versus Year-Rounders, or Property Owners versus Staff. 

He built the club out of the recognition that an active community life could prevent those rifts from ever developing, since ultimately no one would be a stranger. 

Dr. Bill (as he’s still referred to, even today) and his vision quickly led to the development of The Wildcat Way, which is still guiding club life 60 years later. 

That’s reflected in the casual friendliness of members to one another – where introductions and invitations are a matter of course and it’s virtually impossible to remain a stranger.

You can see it in the variety of activities, social events, and amenities: Bridge, Mahjong, Bible Studies, Art Classes, and an array of Fitness Classes; a complete Fitness Center and Indoor Heated Pool, Har-Tru Clay Tennis Courts, Pickle Ball, beautifully-maintained Croquet Lawns, the Dog Park; and Lakeside Park. All are perfect settings for conversations and the fostering of friendships.

There’s the 32nd Annual Camp Wildcat, which brings generations into the warm community embrace.

And of course, central to all that socializing is the breathtaking 18-hole golf course. Originally designed by renowned golf course architect George W. Cobb, the course was renovated by Bill Bergin in 2008. The result is a classic mountain golf course that is scenic and challenging, yet accessible for every golfer. 

The greens, tees, and fairways at Wildcat Cliffs are bentgrass, with fairway roughs and surrounds set in bluegrass.  

The Wildcat Way extends from the members to the staff, who make this easy-going lifestyle possible. Those measures include investments in seven new employee houses with three more being planned; a Scholarship Program; and a continually-renewed Employee Appreciation Fund.

And The Wildcat Way underlies the club’s reverence for its natural beauty. 

This is evidenced by the newly-remodeled clubhouse, which invites spectacular views in all directions including Whiteside Mountain; and the vast stretches of woodlands embroidered throughout Wildcat Cliffs. 

When taken together, you can see that the animating principle of Dr. Bill’s vision 60 years ago remains at the heart of this beautiful undertaking. You’ll find it in the faces of its members and staff, in its bounty of activities and facilities, and in the breathtaking natural beauty at its heart.

To learn more, visit wildcatcliffscountryclub.com.