Kiawah Island

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Kiawah Island is a truly memorable golfing experience; a stunning location, an amazing tradition and five superb golf courses are the reasons why so many avid golfers make the pilgrimage to this striking South Carolina retreat.

Golf Courses

Ocean Course

The Ocean Course is the headline act at Kiawah Island, and it is a course which has a rich golfing history. The 2007 Senior PGA, the 1997 and 2003 World Cups, and the 2001 UBS Cup have all graced the Ocean, but the highlight without doubt was the 1991 Ryder Cup matches, dubbed ‘The War on the Shore’, which culminated with Bernhard Langer missing ‘that putt’.

When the Ocean Course stages the 2012 PGA Championship, it will become only the fourth course to host all of the PGA of America’s major tournaments. This honour befits the standard of Pete Dye’s 1991 creation, which is frequently buffeted by the prevailing Atlantic winds.

Ten holes track the coastline, with the remaining eight running parallel just inland, making it one of the world’s most spectacular courses, and also one of the most desirable destinations for the true golf aficionado.

The Ocean has been named No.1 in South Carolina by Golf Digest, while GOLF Magazine ranks it third in the list of ‘Top 100 Courses You Can Play’.

Course Statistics

Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye & Jack Nicklaus
Opened: 1991

Tees

Tournament: 7,356 yards, Rating 77.3 / Slope 144
Ocean: 6,779 yards, Rating 73.6 / Slope 138
Dye: 6,475 yards, Rating 72.0 / Slope 134
Kiawah:  6,202 yards, Rating 70.9 / Slope 132
Carolina: 5,327 yards, Rating 72.7 / Slope 124

Previously hosted:
1991 Ryder Cup, 2005 PGA National Professional Championship, 2007 Senior PGA Championship, 2012 PGA Championship and will host the 2021 PGA Championship

Turtle Point

The golf course at Turtle Point was one of Jack Nicklaus’ earlier creations after turning his hand to course design, but it has stood the test of time. The narrow fairways, small greens, close out-of-bounds and the tricky water hazards are indicative of the more traditional style of Turtle Point, the course is also pretty long – 7,061 yards – necessitating proficiency with the driver in terms of both length and accuracy.

Arguably as challenging as the more famous Ocean Course, Turtle Point comes highly recommended.

Course Statistics

Par: 72
Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
Opened: 1981

Tees

Tournament: 7,061 yards, Rating 73.8 / Slope 140
Turtle: 6,503 yards, Rating 71.9 / Slope 136
Nicklaus: 6,210 yards, Rating 70.1 / Slope 132
Kiawah: 5,789 yards, Rating 68.0 / Slope 124
Carolina:  5,210 yards, Rating 71.5 / Slope 126

Cougar Point

Gary Player’s redesign of the Cougar Point course, formerly known as Marsh Point, has ensured its position at the forefront of South Carolina golf; the 6,875 yard layout is the ultimate in risk versus reward, set against the most spectacular backdrop.

Perhaps the least heralded of the Kiawah Island collection, Cougar Point is a layout of undeniable quality, and with the Gary Player revision, it looks set to remain a favourite at this amazing South Carolina golf holiday destination.

Course Statistics

Par: 72
Designed by: Gary Player
Opened: 1976

Tees

Tournament: 6,875 yards, Rating 73.3 / Slope 137
Cougar
: 6,503 yards, Rating 71.4 / Slope 133
Player: 6,191 yards, Rating 69.4 / Slope 127
Kiawah: 5,604 yards, Rating 67.3 / Slope 117
Carolina: 4,776 yards, Rating 69.1 / Slope 115

Oak Point

Noted local architect Clyde Johnston designed the Oak Point Course, but it was not assimilated into the Kiawah resort until 1997. Since then, the course has been completely reworked with consultation from the original creator, and set against the stunning backdrop of the Haulover Creek, it is now a fantastic course.

Something of a throwback to the style of the 1920s and 1930s, Oak Point demands good positioning above brute power, and has become a real favourite in recent years with golf holiday visitors to Kiawah Island.

Course Statistics

Par: 72
Designed by: Clyde Johnston
Opened: 1989

Tees

Tournament: 6,701 yards, Rating 71.9 / Slope 130
Oak
: 6,450 yards, Rating 70.8 / Slope 127
Johnston: 6,105 yards, Rating 68.9 / Slope 125
Kiawah: 5,515 yards, Rating 66.5 / Slope 116
Carolina: 4,954 yards, Rating 63.9 / Slope 102

Osprey Point

Osprey Point’s creator Tom Fazio originally developed the course as a private members’ club, but it is now available to the masses, much to their delight. Fazio’s blank canvas was a landscape blessed with four huge lakes, fingers of saltwater marsh, and dense forests of pine and oak, spotted with palmetto and magnolia, making it as beautiful as any other in the area.

There are challenges aplenty at Osprey Point, but it is essentially a high quality resort course, ranking particularly highly in lists of the best courses for women.

Course Statistics

Par: 72
Designed by: Tom Fazio
Opened: 1988

Tees

Tournament: 6,902 yards, Rating 72.8 / Slope 135
Osprey
: 6,545 yards, Rating 70.5 / Slope 133
Fazio: 6,162 yards, Rating 69.0 / Slope 130
Kiawah: 5,376 yards, Rating 65.2 / Slope 114
Carolina: 4,746 yards, Rating 62.8 / Slope 102

Accommodation

The Sanctuary Hotel

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is located on the perfect white sand of Kiawah Island’s coastline, and is a luxury retreat that captures the spirit, history and charm inherent to the Charleston area. The 255 guest rooms and suites are equipped with the most exquisite amenities, most notably hand crafted armoires and desks, custom made beds and private seating areas. Having garnered much praise and many coveted accolades, the Sanctuary is the luxury way to experience Kiawah Island.

Villas at Kiawah Island

Ranging in size, and boasting distinctive locations and views, the Resort Villas ensure that there is an option to suit every demand. Catering particularly well to larger groups and families, the villas ensure the added privacy that can make a golf holiday that little bit more special.

Location

Kiawah Island is located south of Highway 17

1 hour drive from Charleston International Airport
2 hour drive from Hilton Head
3 hour drive from Myrtle Beach & Columbia
4 hour drive from Charlotte & Jacksonville

Charleston International Airport is served by

Charlotte (CLT)
Atlanta (ATL)
Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
Chicago (ORD)
Dallas (DFW)
Houston (IAH)
Cleveland (CLE)
Miami (MIA)
Washington (DCA)

and many other major US airports

Enquire now about your Golf Vacation