Kiawah Island Golf Resort is located just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, and it is one of the best golf resorts in the world. Period.
The resort’s known for its flagship golf course, The Ocean Course, which erupted on the golf scene at the 1991 Ryder Cup that became known as “The War by the Shore.” This event came down to the last putt where Bernard Langer missed a 6-foot par putt that would have halved the matches and retained the Cup for Europe. As memorable as the golf was during these matches, it was the course that grabbed the golfing world’s attention as the beauty and brawn were on showcase for the world to see.
More than 30 years later, Kiawah Island Golf Resort continues to thrill golfers who come to visit this oceanside sanctuary that features five golf courses for visiting golfers to enjoy. Wonderful golf combined with luxurious accommodations, pristine beaches, and plenty of other activities for your group to enjoy make this property a must-visit for golfers year after year.
The Ocean Course
Pete Dye’s incredible oceanside design is known as one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the country. The course is known to be a beast, which it certainly is, but there are few, if any, designs in the United States that will test every facet of your game the way that the Ocean Course will.
Since the course erupted on the golf scene at the 1991 Ryder Cup, it continued to host marquee golf events including the World Cup in 1997 and 2003 and the Sr. PGA Championship in 200. But it was the 2012 PGA Championship that was won by Rory McIlroy followed by the age-defying win by Phil Mickelson at the 2021 PGA Championship that really brought the course back to the forefront of golfer’s minds.
So, what makes this course so special? As much as Pete Dye is given the well-deserved credit for this amazing layout, it was his wife Alice who made one of the most important suggestions of the design of this major championship venue. Pete and his team originally designed the course to sit below the oceanside dunes, and it was his wife Alice who suggested raising the level of the land so that players would be able to see the ocean from every hole.
Golf, golf, and more golf
Any golf trip to Kiawah Island isn’t complete without at least one round on The Ocean Course, but don’t for a second sleep on the other designs available at Kiawah Island. The resort has made significant investments over the years to bring these courses up to a level that is befitting their marquee course, and it really shows.
Turtle Point was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the course features three holes along the ocean as well as ample fairways and larger greens that will give you a much-needed break after a day on The Ocean Course. Osprey Point delivers a Tom Fazio-redesigned golf course that is equally playable and beautiful in that trademark Fazio fashion.
Oak Point was designed by Clyde Johnston and was renovated in 2015 to give this Scottish-American design a wonderful update that has made it a favorite for visiting guests to play. And last, but certainly not least, golfers can enjoy the Gary Player-designed Cougar Point Golf Course that was designed to embrace Kiawah’s beautiful topography along the Kiawah River and marsh. For those who love a good golf movie, you’ll also enjoy the fact that this course was featured in “The Legend of Bagger Vance” starring Matt Damon and Will Smith.
Overall, it’s very evident during a visit to Kiawah Island Golf Resort that the team here has taken a vested interest in creating a golf resort with five courses that you can enjoy, not just one course that is a must-play. Each course has its own appeal and feel, and we highly recommend playing as many of these courses as you can during your visit to Kiawah Island.
Osprey Point
Multiple lodging options
When it comes to a visit to Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a very important component of your stay is picking the right lodging choice for your group. Kiawah has you covered as there are multiple options to choose from depending on your group’s needs.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is among the finest golf hotels in the world. From the moment you enter the grand entryway here, you’re immersed in an environment that is filled with Southern hospitality and charm that makes this oceanfront resort stand out in the world of golf. With 255 available rooms for guests to enjoy, it’s the perfect home base for any golf trip.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s latest lodging addition of The Cottages at the Ocean Course which were added in June of 2021. There are four of these exclusive cottages to choose from, and each delivers a 3,800-square-foot design with four bedrooms that feature king-size beds, private en suite bathrooms, and a slew of amenities to enhance your stay. These Cottages provide guests with a dedicated concierge who is available to facilitate the needs of your group, including the ability to provide you with a stocked bar, special food items, complimentary on-island transportation, or the opportunity to schedule private catered dining in your Cottage creating a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget.
And if your group is looking for a more secluded getaway, Kiawah Island can also provide you with a multitude of Private Homes and Resort Villas for your group that come in a wide variety of price points giving you a ton of options to make this resort work within your budget.
Packing for a trip to Kiawah Island
When it comes to planning a visit to Kiawah Island, packing for your trip is a major component to think about and it will vary greatly depending on the season you choose to visit this American gem. Even the summers can feature cooler evenings with the ocean breeze off the coast, so we tend to suggest packing clothing that is both versatile and functional for your stay. Here are some items from FootJoy that can give you the Lowcountry look and functionality that you need to both play and look great during your stay here.
Stretch Lisle Dot Print Self Collar
Featuring a subtle dot pattern that gives the standard solid polo a little bit of pop, this polo looks great on and off the course and can work for any occasion at this incredible property. The easy-care fabric that is integrated into this polo also makes it great on the go and provides minimal wrinkling which is ideal for travel.
Lightweight Shorts
With a myriad of color options in a flat front design, FootJoy’s Lightweight 9” Inseam Shorts are a staple to any golfer’s wardrobe. Built for comfort, these shorts feature a four-way stretch design and a stretch waistband to give you a fit look while providing you with the flexibility you need while playing.
HydroLite X Short Sleeve Rain Shirt
If you’ve ever been caught in a rain storm on a 90 degree day, you know that a rain jacket has the ability to turn into what feels like a sauna suit. FootJoy has you covered here as this jacket features short sleeves making rainy days in warmer temperatures much more playable. With a two-year 100% waterproof guarantee, you know you’ll stay dry and you won’t have to miss out on a single hole during your getaway.
Premiere Series – Wilcox
One of the latest additions to the Premiere Series lineup, the Wilcox shoe screams classic design with all the latest innovations of today’s technological advances giving you the ultimate combination of style and functionality. You can choose from a classic white on white look, get brazen with some patent leather integrations, or design your own pair with the MyJoys program.
Recommendation
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the best resorts in the United States. There’s a reason that The Ocean Course is the star of the show here, but like we said, do yourself a favor and be sure to play as many of the other courses onsite here as we think you’ll enjoy them as well. The resort has so much to see and do including enjoying the incredible beaches and pools, a world-class spa, amazing tennis center, and wonderful restaurants for you to enjoy.
We cannot recommend a trip here more highly, and the one piece of advice we’ll give you before you go is that if you’re looking to have a great day on The Ocean Course, then go ahead and move up one set of tees as it will make the round much more enjoyable. But if you’re looking to really see what you can do, go ahead and play your normal tees and see what you can do against one of the toughest designs that the late, great Pete Dye ever created!