The Ocean Course Kiawah Island
A legendary championship golf course on Kiawah Island, renowned for its challenging winds, stunning ocean views, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wind may shift, offering new challenges.
The Ocean Course Kiawah Island
Best Time
Wind may shift, offering new challenges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary championship golf course on Kiawah Island, renowned for its challenging winds, stunning ocean views, and abundant wildlife.
"The Ocean Course is nothing short of spectacular, a true test of golf with incredible scenery."
🎯 Forecaddie is Worth It
Highly recommended for navigating the course, managing the wind, and capturing photos. They enhance the experience significantly.
💨 Respect the Wind
The wind is a major factor. Be prepared for gusts that dramatically affect your shots. Adjust your game accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 17th Hole
Hole 17
A breathtaking par-3 masterpiece, this island green is set against the vast Atlantic, demanding precision and offering unforgettable views.
Pete Dye's Design Philosophy
Entire Course
Experience a course that challenges you mentally with every hole telling a unique story, a true testament to Dye's genius.
Spectacular Coastal Scenery
Throughout the Course
Incredible vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding marshes, dotted with wildlife like gators and deer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Price of Paradise
Embrace the Wind and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Forecaddie is Worth It
Highly recommended for navigating the course, managing the wind, and capturing photos. They enhance the experience significantly.
💨 Respect the Wind
The wind is a major factor. Be prepared for gusts that dramatically affect your shots. Adjust your game accordingly.
🤏 Precision on Small Greens
Greens are small and demand accuracy. Your short game must be sharp to avoid tricky lies around the greens.
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't hesitate to ask your caddie or playing partners to pause for photos; the scenery is unparalleled.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Forecaddie is Worth It
Highly recommended for navigating the course, managing the wind, and capturing photos. They enhance the experience significantly.
💨 Respect the Wind
The wind is a major factor. Be prepared for gusts that dramatically affect your shots. Adjust your game accordingly.
🤏 Precision on Small Greens
Greens are small and demand accuracy. Your short game must be sharp to avoid tricky lies around the greens.
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't hesitate to ask your caddie or playing partners to pause for photos; the scenery is unparalleled.
🍽️ Pub for Best Food
The clubhouse pub offers a great selection and is a convenient spot for a satisfying meal post-round.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is widely regarded as a spectacular, world-class golf experience, lauded for its challenging design, breathtaking coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. While the high green fees are a significant consideration, most visitors find the unique layout, iconic holes like the 17th, and the overall atmosphere well worth the investment. Some minor criticisms include inconsistent pro shop staff interactions and the demanding nature of the greenside areas.
"I was just a little bit nervous to play this course, but my fears were put to rest as I was told that even a mid level player like me were welcome! (Thank you, Owen!) Wow! I am so glad that I didn’t let my doubt keep me from playing this course! It was absolutely gorgeous and the vistas were stunning! It’s hard to capture the beauty of this course! Our caddie, Mike, was so attentive and gave just the right amount of advice! What a day! I can’t wait to play it again sometime!"
Bonnie Kelly
"As a golf course artist this was the perfect opportunity to capture the 18th hole at sunset. The wedding we attended allowed us to be on this wonderful property for several hours outside. The service was off the charts great, food was perfect and the surreal feeling never left us. Great Venue!!!"
Michael John Valentine Artist
"Played the ocean course yesterday afternoon. It is definitely worth the hype! I was linked up with the forecaddie, Skylar. He was awesome! Made the experience so much fun and helped navigate the course. He was a great hype boy! And so patient with my requests to take 192840103893 photos. I hope to play again :)"
Megan Wallace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ocean Course is located on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It's accessible by car, with the nearest major airport being Charleston International Airport (CHS), about a 45-minute drive away. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the clubhouse. It's convenient for golfers arriving for their tee times.
While not explicitly stated for general public transport, shuttles are available on the course itself at holes 1 and 10 to assist players, especially if you're not keen on walking the entire course.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The green fee is substantial, often exceeding $600 per player. This reflects its status as a premier, championship golf course.
Tee times can be booked directly through The Ocean Course's official website or by contacting their golf shop. Due to its popularity, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
While direct discounts are rare, staying at The Sanctuary hotel on Kiawah Island may offer golf packages that include rounds at The Ocean Course. It's worth checking their official resort website for current offers.
The course typically opens for play at sunrise and closes at sunset. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm with the golf shop when booking.
While the course is a true test, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy it, especially with a forecaddie. However, players with handicaps of 10 or less may find it more rewarding.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks are required for men. Women should wear golf attire. Denim and athletic wear are generally not permitted.
A caddie is not mandatory but is highly recommended. Forecaddies can significantly enhance your experience by helping with course management and shot selection.
Expect to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and numerous bird species. They are a natural part of the island's ecosystem.
It's considered one of the most challenging courses in the world, largely due to its demanding wind conditions, strategically placed hazards, and small greens.
The areas around the greens can be very challenging, with steep slopes and firm bunker/waste areas. Precision chipping and putting are crucial.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The clubhouse offers dining facilities, including a pub, which is noted for having the best food selection. There are also bars available.
Yes, there are typically beverage carts and stations available on the course to provide refreshments during your round.
Absolutely. The clubhouse dining options are perfect for a meal before your tee time or to relax and discuss your round afterward.
📸 📸 Photography
Every hole offers stunning views, but the 17th hole with its ocean backdrop is iconic. The coastal fairways and marshland vistas are also prime photo opportunities.
Yes, you are encouraged to take photos. Caddies are often happy to assist with capturing memorable shots.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography, but always be mindful of other players and the pace of play.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If playing a full round with children is too ambitious, consider visiting the clubhouse for a meal or exploring the resort amenities. The stunning coastal views are enjoyable for all ages, and the experience of being on Kiawah Island itself is a treat. Focus on the natural beauty and wildlife encounters as the main attractions for younger family members.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, explore playing other courses on Kiawah Island or nearby. While they may not have the same championship pedigree, they can offer excellent golfing experiences at a more accessible price point. Researching off-season rates or twilight tee times might also present slight savings, though the core cost remains substantial.
🏆 Serious Golfers
Hiring a forecaddie is almost non-negotiable for serious players looking to maximize their understanding of the course and improve their play. They provide invaluable insights into wind conditions, green reading, and shot selection. Embrace the challenge, learn from the experience, and savor the opportunity to play one of the world's most renowned golf destinations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Wind: The Ocean Course's Signature Challenge
Many golfers find that their score on this course is heavily dictated by how well they adapt to the wind. It's a true test of a golfer's ability to play in varied conditions. Even experienced players can be humbled by the sheer force and unpredictability of the gusts. The advice from seasoned players often centers on playing conservatively, aiming for the center of greens, and accepting that perfect shots might still not yield perfect results due to the wind's influence.
When planning your round, consider the time of day. While wind can be present at any time, some players report that afternoons can bring shifting winds, offering a different challenge than the morning. Ultimately, embracing the wind as part of the course's unique personality is crucial for a memorable and rewarding experience.
The Art of the Short Game: Mastering Kiawah's Greens
Beyond the size, the contours and slopes around the greens are also a significant factor. Many lies can be nearly unplayable due to steep banks and hidden hazard-type areas that aren't necessarily out of bounds but make recovery difficult. Green-side bunker and waste areas can also be surprisingly firm, adding another layer of complexity to your short game. Practicing your chipping and bunker play before your round is highly advisable.
Forecaddies are invaluable in helping you understand these nuances. They can guide you on the best angles of approach and provide insights into the best recovery shots from challenging positions around the greens. Mastering these delicate shots is often the difference between a good score and a frustrating one at The Ocean Course.
Wildlife Encounters and Coastal Beauty
The spectacular scenery is equally breathtaking. The course offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, with holes dramatically carved into the dunes and marshlands. The iconic 17th hole, a par-3 island green, is a prime example of this stunning coastal design, offering a postcard-perfect backdrop. Every hole presents a new visual challenge and beauty, making it a photographer's dream.
While the wildlife and scenery are a major draw, it's important to maintain a respectful distance. The natural environment is a key part of the island's charm, and observing these creatures in their habitat adds to the overall allure of The Ocean Course.
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