Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Complete Guide to America's Best Golf Island
Twenty-three miles of barrier island off the South Carolina coast. Five golf courses. One of the most famous stretches of golf holes in the world. Kiawah Island Golf Resort has been a destination for serious golfers since the Ocean Course opened in 1991 to host the Ryder Cup — a match remembered as the "War by the Shore" that ended with Bernhard Langer's missed putt on the 18th green giving Europe the Cup. The course has hosted three major championships since. It is the hardest public golf course in America on a difficult day.
The Ocean Course
Pete Dye designed the Ocean Course in 1991 specifically to host the Ryder Cup, with the brief to create the most challenging golf course possible. He succeeded almost too well. The course runs along the Atlantic Ocean, with ten holes directly on the beachfront and eight more with ocean views. The wind off the water is constant, variable, and merciless — the same hole can play three different ways depending on wind direction.
The course stretches to over 7,800 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest courses in America. It hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2012 PGA Championship (won by Rory McIlroy), the 2021 PGA Championship (won by Phil Mickelson in one of the most improbable major victories in decades), and the 2023 Ryder Cup.
For public golfers, the Ocean Course is accessible but expensive. It is worth every cent if you can play it on a calm day. In a 20-mph wind it is an examination of will.
The Other Four Courses
Kiawah has four additional courses beyond the Ocean Course, each with its own character.
Osprey Point was designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1988. It plays through maritime forest, lagoons, and marsh with a more sheltered feel than the Ocean Course. It is a better round for golfers who want beauty without the exposure to full ocean wind.
Cougar Point, redesigned by Gary Player in 1996, runs along the Kiawah River with extensive marsh and tidal creek views. It plays shorter and more gently than the Ocean Course but offers some of the island's best scenery.
Oak Point is located on the mainland approach to the island and plays through live oaks and tidal marshes. It is the most accessible of the five courses — a good option for resort guests who want a round without the intensity of the Ocean Course.
Turtle Point was designed by Jack Nicklaus and features three oceanfront holes — the 15th, 16th, and 17th — that rank among the most scenic on the island. It plays shorter than the Ocean Course but demands precise iron play into well-defended greens.
Is Kiawah Island Private?
Kiawah Island has both a private club (the Kiawah Island Club, which includes private courses and amenities for homeowners) and a public resort (Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which manages the five courses described above). The Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, Oak Point, and Turtle Point are all accessible to resort guests and the public. The Kiawah Island Club's River Course and Tom Watson Course are private.
Planning Your Trip
The nearest airport is Charleston International, approximately 30 miles from the island. The drive takes about 40 minutes. Charleston itself is worth extending your trip — it is one of the great American cities for food, history, and culture.
The resort operates year-round but spring and fall are the peak golf seasons — mild temperatures, less humidity than summer, and lower rates than the peak summer holiday period. Hurricane season runs June through November; late September and October offer excellent weather at reduced rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiawah Island private?
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses — including the Ocean Course — are open to the public and resort guests. The separate Kiawah Island Club is private and restricted to members and homeowners.
What major championships has the Ocean Course hosted?
The Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2012 PGA Championship, the 2021 PGA Championship, and the 2023 Ryder Cup.
How hard is the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island?
The Ocean Course consistently ranks as one of the most difficult public courses in the United States. The combination of length (7,800+ yards from the tips), exposure to ocean wind, and Pete Dye's demanding green complexes makes it a genuine challenge for golfers of all levels.
How many golf courses are on Kiawah Island?
There are seven golf courses on or near Kiawah Island: five operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point, Oak Point) and two operated privately by the Kiawah Island Club (River Course, Tom Watson Course).