Kiawah Island Resort

Join the ranks of avid golfers who have The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on their must-play list for a true test of skill. Located on the eastern-most end of the island, The Ocean Course boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere; 10 of the holes hug the Atlantic coastline. Although it was originally planned to sit behind the dunes, Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested raising the entire course to give players unobstructed views of Kiawah’s stunning coastline from every hole.

The Ocean Course has a rich history. It hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship and is set to host the PGA Championship once again in the near future.

Undoubtedly, the Ocean Course is one of the most wind-affected courses in the world. In fact, because there are no prevailing winds on The Ocean Course, Dye designed two courses in one—one for an easterly and the other for a westerly wind.

What began as a members-only golf course on the island noted for its playability has evolved into a championship-level course with a world-class layout that was completely renovated in 2014 under the direction of course architect Tom Fazio. Today’s Osprey Point still delivers on its playability and natural beauty and gets rave reviews for its pristine conditions and elegant clubhouse. Each hole on Osprey Point is unique and memorable—with four challenging par-3s, four extremely distinctive par-5s and ten outstanding par-4s ranging in length from 340 to 461 yards.

Featuring three oceanfront holes, this characteristic Jack Nicklaus design features ample fairways, approachable greens, and strategically placed lagoons that put a premium on accuracy and a carefully thought-out approach to each shot. Turtle Point epitomizes the Golden Bear’s mantra to “make the player use his mind ahead of his muscles–to control his emotions sufficiently to really think through his options before drawing a club from his bag.” Turtle Point traverses a diverse landscape with holes dictating alternating setups from left-to-right and vice-versa. Turtle Point clubhouse offers locker rooms, a pro shop, and indoor and patio dining at contemporary Italian eatery, Tomasso at Turtle Point.

Following an extensive 10-month renovation in tandem with Gary Player Design, Cougar Point reopened on October 1, 2017 to rave reviews—winning over Kiawah Island golfers with its dramatic marsh vistas and superior playability. Whether you’ve played the old Cougar Point or have never stepped foot on its greens, this renovated course is a must-play at the resort. Cougar Point’s short and long par-4s, great risk/reward 5s and extremely scenic and challenging par-3s demand that you approach your round with a smart strategy.

The proud recipient of the 2019 Charleston Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year, Oak Point delivers a superior playing surface with its regrassing in Paspalum and greater strategic challenges through a refreshed design. Originally conceived by Clyde Johnston, a noted Southeastern golf course architect, Oak Point sits by the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek, surrounded by maritime forest. A true shotmaker’s course, Oak Point showcases undulating fairways and challenging greens on a meticulously maintained course that favors a thinking approach over raw power.