Golf in Kiawah Island

A barrier island set 15 miles off south of Charleston is Kiawah Island, a popular beach and golf resort that is already considered as a major tourist destination in the United States. The island boasts of its spacious villas, highly acclaimed greens, famous beaches, and many other exciting attractions. Being hailed as one of East Coast’s premier golf destinations, the island boasts of its 5 award-winning golf layouts designed by Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and Tom Fazio. With the courses that go through the dense woods all the way to the island’s breezy oceanfront, Kiawah is often flocked by golfers of all ability levels who want to experience not just quality tee times but also a quiet golf vacation destination and refuge. The Oak Point, the Cougar Point, the Osprey Point, the Turtle Point, and the Ocean Course are among the finest golf courses that the island boasts about.

Oak Point

The Oak Point is Clyde Johnston’s masterpiece that is set on the grounds of what was known as an old cotton and indigo plantation. Frequently dubbed as course with the Scottish-American style, this par-72 layout offers the fair test to both the experienced professionals and novice golfers. This stay and play facility also features a new clubhouse that is near the 18th green with the best views of the Haulover Creek.

Cougar Point

Stretching at a yardage of 6,861 from the back tees, the Cougar Point is nestled on the former site of Marsh Point Golf Course. The new design that was made by Gary Palmer is about 600 yards longer as compared to the old course. The layout also features the 3-hole stretch midway that runs through the front nine, the acres of spartina grass, and the dramatic par-4 18th hole. Aside from the majestic views of the Kiawah River, golfers can also see the countless wading birds while on play.

Osprey Point

The Osprey Point is a Tom Fazio classic layout that is characterized by variety and playability. The layout features the fingers of saltwater marsh, 4 large natural lakes, and the dense maritime forests comprised of the century-old live oaks, palmetto palms, pines, and magnolias. Tee times would include the par-4 453-yard ninth as well as the pair of threes that are longer than 200 yards. The layout also features the modernized cart paths as well as an immaculate driving range.

Turtle Point

The Turtle Point is a Jack Nicklaus gem where premier events like the 1990 PGA Cup Matches were held. The layout is considered as low-profile design wherein the green settings and fairways are blended with the area’s existing landscape with the absence of artificial mounding and other radical features. It also features the 412-yard 15th which is known as the hardest hole that the course takes along.

The Ocean Course

Designed by the famous Pete Dye, the Ocean Course has already hosted several major golf competitions including the “War by the Shore” of the Ryder Cup. In 2002 and 2003, Dye made some significant changes like moving the 40 yards 18th green toward the ocean as well as relaying all the tees and greens. A clubhouse was also added in order to provide guests with an ultimate golf vacation experience.