Why You Should Consider Kiawah Island for Your Next Golf Destination

The Ocean Course. Your last memory may be Phil Mickelson hoisting his arms in the air as he became the oldest golfer to win one of golf’s major championships. The iconic venue is one of the more difficult courses around, yet also one of the most visually stunning.

Kiawah Island is home to several renowned golf courses. Aside from the Ocean Course, there are four additional public tracks and two private. The courses at Kiawah offer everything from ocean views to southern swamplands. Here are the courses you need to play:

1. The Ocean Course: Designed by Pete Dye, The Ocean Course is the most famous course on Kiawah Island and is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the United States. This 7,876-yard, par-72 course is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and features challenging ocean breezes, rolling dunes, and stunning ocean views. The course is known for its large, undulating greens and strategic bunkering, which require precision shot-making from golfers of all skill levels.
2. Turtle Point Golf Course: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Turtle Point Golf Course is a 7,061-yard, par-72 course that features narrow fairways, elevated greens, and plenty of bunkers. The course winds through marshes and lagoons, offering scenic views of the island's natural beauty, with a couple of holes brushing up near the Ocean. 
3. Osprey Point Golf Course: Designed by Tom Fazio, Osprey Point Golf Course is a 6,871-yard, par-72 course that offers a more forgiving layout than some of the other courses on the island. The course features wide fairways, generous greens, and a variety of hazards, including bunkers, water hazards, and native vegetation. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy this course, which offers a balance of challenge and playability.
4. Cougar Point Golf Course: Originally designed by Gary Player and recently renovated by Tom Fazio, Cougar Point Golf Course is a 6,875-yard, par-72 course that features a variety of challenges, including tight fairways, well-placed bunkers, and water hazards. The course is situated along the Kiawah River, offering scenic views of the island's natural beauty. The course's design is strategic and requires golfers to think carefully about their shots, making it a great test for golfers of all skill levels.
5. Oak Point Golf Course: Designed by Clyde Johnston, Oak Point Golf Course is a 6,701-yard, par-72 course that winds through marshes, forests, and tidal creeks. The course features wide fairways, generous greens, and strategically placed hazards, including bunkers and water hazards. Golfers will need to bring their accuracy and shot-making skills to this course to score well.

So when should you go to Kiawah? The best time to plan a golf trip to Kiawah Island is in the Spring (March to May) or the Fall (September to November) when the weather is mild. The summer season can be hot and humid, and thunderstorms are common. Additionally, the majority of the courses in the south tend to aerate during the summer months which is offseason. However, don’t let this fool you, if you can withstand the heat and check the aeration schedules, you can get the best deals during these months.

Getting to Kiawah Island is easy. The Island is located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, and is accessible by car. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the closest airport to Kiawah Island, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the island from the airport. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the island, which takes about 90 minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) or about 2.5 hours from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

There are several options for accommodation on Kiawah Island, including hotels, resorts, and villas. The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a luxurious option with a spa, pools, and fine dining. The resort also offers villa rentals, which are ideal for groups and families. Other accommodations on the island include private home rentals and Airbnb listings.

While golf is the primary attraction on Kiawah Island, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your stay. The island offers several outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and biking. You can also take a trip to Charleston, a historic city with excellent restaurants, museums, and shopping.

If you’re considering a trip to Kiawah, here are a couple of pro tips to remember:

• Take advantage of the golf package deals offered by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort to save money on your golf rounds and accommodation.
• Fly into Charleston, this is the easiest airport.
• Be sure to reserve your caddies at the Ocean Course (it’s a walking course)
• Ask Kiawah about their private courses, the River Course and Cassique. Who knows, maybe a member is willing to sponsor you!

So, what are you waiting for? If you like this trip, and want more information, fill out the intake form and a GolfTrip representative will get back to you with the information you need to plan your trip!