Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
Kiawah Island is one of those places that sticks in your mind long after you've packed the clubs away. Five championship courses, miles of Atlantic coastline and a pedigree that includes major championships and a Ryder Cup make this South Carolina barrier island a genuine must-play for anyone who loves big-time golf in a dramatic setting.
The Ocean Course is the headline act and, I'll admit, it's the one most of us have watched on TV and thought, "Right, I need a go at that." Designed by Pete Dye and Alice Dye (the same duo behind TPC Sawgrass, Harbour Town Golf Links and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo), it's as visually stunning as it is demanding.
It hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup (the "War by the Shore"), plus the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and it still feels built for the spotlight. You'll have the Atlantic in view for large stretches of the round and, more importantly, you feel the exposure almost everywhere. The wind is always part of the conversation and it can turn a comfortable number into something you really have to commit to. Expect big waste areas, bold shaping and greens that punish anything slightly lazy. The par-3 17th is one of the most photographed holes in American golf, a 221-yard carry over marshland to a green framed by sand and sea.
If you're putting a trip together, the real bonus is that you can pair the Ocean Course with four other top-quality rounds across the resort.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a proper 'I've played a major venue' tick, plus the option of four more resort courses without moving base.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers and anyone who enjoys working the ball in the wind. Higher handicaps will still love the views, but bring plenty of balls and a sense of humour.
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
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Flights, 5 Nights, 3 Rounds
Flights, 7 Nights, 5 Rounds
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’. The latest historical feat recorded at Kiawah's Ocean Course was Phil Mickelson becoming the oldest Major winner by clinching the 2021 PGA Championship.
When Kiawah hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, it 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 course 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’. It certainly deserves it's place in the list of the best courses in America
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Pete Dye, Alice Dye |
| Opened for play | 1974 |
| Previously hosted | Ryder Cup, PGA Championship |
| Black | 7,360 yards | SSS 76.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 6,779 yards | SSS 73.9 |
| Silver | 6,475 yards | SSS 72.4 (M) | 78.6 (L) |
| Blue | 6,202 yards | SSS 71.1 (M) | 77.0 (L) |
| Blue/Red | 5,859 yards | SSS 69.1 (M) | 75.1 (L) |
| Red | 5,307 yards | SSS 66.4 (M) | 72.2 (L) |
Nick
✓4 May 2026
I really wanted to like this but my party and I struggled with this one. I thought maybe it was the fact I didn't play well or that the mosquitos on the front nine that ate us all alive spoiled the round for us. Truth is it just didn't live up to the expectation. There was no breakfast offering on arrival (just a microwavable breakfast sandwich at the half way house).It's called the Ocean course but you probably only notice the ocean on three of the holes. More than anything else it's hard! Every green is raised and if you're not able to hold a ball on a green from distance then you're going to struggle. The condition of the course was fabulous and the greens were very fair but unless you're a single figure handicap this is going to beat you up.
Moragh
✓26 May 2025
Superb experience, well worth the visit. Limited ladies logo items in pro shop.
David
✓4 May 2025
Martin
✓9 May 2023
The Ocean Course is breathtaking in itself, and is complete with all sorts of wildlife. Each hole is very special, and was made more enjoyable with experienced walking caddies. The wind was moderate, and the greens were manageable in terms of speed. The course was in perfect condition, and the clubhouse and facilities all excellent.
Hugh
✓31 May 2022
Tough conditions in the heat as no buggies allowed so walking only , enjoyable all the same
Chris
✓16 May 2022
Best course I ever played. The views were stunning and the course was fantastic. Caddie really helped with the experience. Would definitely play again
Jonathan
✓22 Apr 2022
Phenomenal course. I got a replay rate for a second round in the afternoon at had the place to myself. The caddies are expensive (and shared between 2 players) but well worth having (their reads on the greens are amazing and stopped us over reading) and then my second round I went solo. The course itself is an absolute gem. We got lucky with a calm day but the set up is such that even on a windy day you have options on shot selection and don’t get punished for the sake of it. The conditioning was excellent. Some of the greens are tough to land but that’s the point isn’t it?
Philip
✓15 Apr 2022
Only downside was the lack of trolleys as this is a walking course. There are no trollies to rent. Options are carry your own bag or pay $625 dollars for 4 caddies plus a forecaddie. Complete rip off so beware
Raj
✓6 Apr 2022
Golf pilgrimage at its best …. We had great weather, great caddies and a memorable day at this tough course.
Simon
✓31 Mar 2022
What a great golf course, seen it many times on TV, so knew it not be easy, but that is why we wanted to play here. We all loved it, staff were great, welcoming and very helpful. I would recommend getting a Caddy when you play because it most definitely helped us all.
