how to play kiawah ocean course

Can the public play the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island?

Offering tremendous scenery, all courses are open to the public for an expensive green fee. Although not inaccessible, green fees at the Ocean Course cost $383. Resort guests can play at the courses at a discounted rate and there are a number of packages available to play more than one of Kiawah Island's courses.

How long does it take to play Kiawah Ocean Course?

“One of the major challenges that keeps many golfers off the course is the amount of time it takes to play 18 holes,” said Brian Gerard, Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Director of Golf. “In response, we've developed this test program aimed at getting players around the course in less than three hours.

How difficult is the Ocean Course at Kiawah?

It is fairly easy—and frankly repetitive—to explain how difficult the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort plays, something that surely its architect, the late Pete Dye, cackles about while he looks down—or as some frustrated pros might suggest “up”—at his masterpiece.

How does the Ocean Course play?

The Ocean Course gets constant wind, although it can shift directions. It can make an eight club difference on the same hole from one day to the next — or even from morning to afternoon. A few Sundays ago, a scratch golfer had only 120 yards to the hole, but because of the wind it wound up playing more like 180 yards.

How much do you tip a Kiawah caddy?

$120 per playerAlthough there are no fees for the services of a caddie, gratuities are graciously accepted. Recommended gratuities are $120 per player for walking caddies, and $60 per player for a forecaddie, based on service. Caddie services may be reserved at the other Kiawah courses based on staffing levels.

What does it cost to play The Ocean Course?

The Ocean Course. All are among the world's greatest golf courses but places most golfers only dream about playing. They just don't fit into the average golfer's budget. The $383 Ocean Course greens fee, which doesn't include a gratuity for the caddie, keeps most locals from heading out to Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Is Kiawah the hardest course?

Kiawah could arguably be listed as number 1 on the list of the hardest public golf courses especially when the wind gets blowing.

What makes the Ocean course so difficult?

At the Ocean Course, it has always been played that sand anywhere on the course—along fairways, greenside or even further offline—is considered a sandy area. There are no bunkers and as a result players can ground their clubs and take practice swings anywhere there is sand.

What is the hardest slope rating in golf?

155The slope rating value always lies between 55 and 155, with 113 being the average or 'standard' value. A slope rating of 155 means this is the most difficult course (for a specific tee) you can imagine. The higher the course and slope rating, the more strokes will be added to your handicap.

How long can the Ocean Course play?

It can play long or short like 13, but it'll be with an iron if the tee is up. This is just a good, solid, straight up golf hole. A big landing area on a fairly short, incredibly aesthetic par-4. From the white tees, players are standing right next to the ocean.

Are carts allowed on the Ocean Course?

There's an extra cost if you get a caddie or forecaddie, too. (By the way, it's mostly walking only, although carts are allowed during the steamy months.)

Does Kiawah Ocean Course have a driving range?

All the Kiawah courses have a driving range and practice balls are included prior to your round. If you wish to practice, there is a $30.00 hourly fee to use the range. Practice greens are free of charge.

Where is the clubhouse at Kiawah Island Golf Resort?

The magnificent clubhouse at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Gary Kellner/PGA of America. Part of the pure joy of a round on the Ocean Course is the excuse to show up early and stay late at the magnificent clubhouse. This is one of the coolest spots in golf.

When is the Ocean Course walking only?

The course is walking-only September through May. Carts are allowed after 10 a.m. during the hotter summer months June through August.

How much does a caddie tip for golf?

These rounds require a forecaddie. Recommended tip for any caddie is at least $100 a bag. Considering how difficult the course can play, especially when the wind kicks up, these bagmen are vital to guiding bogey golfers around the course in as few shots as their skill allows.

Where is the 103rd PGA Championship?

The 17th hole of the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort , the site of the 103rd PGA Championship. Gary Kellner/PGA of America. From the moment it opened in 1991, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island has been a showstopper.

How many shots did Rory McIlroy win in 2012?

It's hard to fathom that somebody will have as easy a time winning as Rory McIlroy did at the 2012 PGA Championship, cruising to an eight-shot victory. It all depends on the weather. You could say the same for your round.

Do I have to stay at the resort to play golf at Kiawah?

KIGR is open to the public and tee times can be made without renting property at the resort. Discounts are offered for guests of the resort.

How can I make a tee time at Kiawah?

Tee times may be made online or by calling the resort directly at (800) 576-1570 to ask for the course of your choice.

What is your tee time cancellation policy?

Tee times for groups of less than 12 golfers may be cancelled 48 hours in advance without penalty.

What is your rain check policy?

Refunds to a Kiawah Island Golf Resort gift card are provided for golfers unable to complete their round due to weather on a pro-rated hole-by- hole basis (i.e. if 6 holes are completed, the golfer is issued a gift card worth 2/3 the cost of the round).

Do you have pull carts for rent?

Pull carts are allowed at all Kiawah courses, but we do not have any for rent.

Do you allow walking at any time?

Walking is allowed at all Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses at all times of the day. The easiest walking course is The Ocean Course, followed by Turtle Point, Oak Point, Osprey Point and then Cougar Point. On The Ocean Course, carts are allowed after 10am in June, July and August.

What kind of weather should I expect at Kiawah?

On Kiawah Island, we experience summer weather from late May through late September with average highs ranging from 83-88 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit between early December and early March and spring and fall are pleasant.

Where is the Ocean Course in 2021?

As you will hear many times during the 2021 PGA Championship broadcast, the Ocean Course is at Kiawah Island Golf Resort — one of the resort’s five courses — and it’s easy for you to book a tee time. The Pete Dye-designed Ocean Course opened in 1991 and hosted one of the most memorable Ryder Cups ever later that year.

Who is Josh Berhow?

Josh Berhow is the managing editor at GOLF.com. The Minnesota native graduated with a journalism degree from Minnesota State University in Mankato. You can reach him at joshua_berhow@golf.com. Author Twitter Account.

3. There are package deals

If you’re headed to Kiawah for a golf trip, why not do it right? There are plenty of stay-and-play deals around the island that will knock that price down on the Ocean Course. Plus, you’re in close proximity to the course anyway, so there’s no way you’ll miss your tee time (we’d hope).

4. Bring extra golf balls

Just because everyone can play the Ocean Course doesn’t mean everyone should. The course boasts a slope rating of 155 — the highest a course can be assigned — and can give even the best players in the world fits. So, if you decide to head to Kiawah to tackle the Ocean Course, make sure you are stocked up with plenty of balls.

What is the most famous golf course in Kiawah Island?

The Ocean Course is the most famous course at Kiawah Island, and was designed by Pete and Alice Dye. The course was designed so that players have a view of the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, but also to expose golfers to the often-strong winds in the area. The Ocean Course has been consistently named as one of the best courses in the world by several publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as well as being named a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by Audubon International. As of 2010#N#[update]#N#, the Ocean Course was rated 25th in Golf Digest ' s 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America.

Who designed the Kiawah Island golf course?

The Ocean Course is the most famous course at Kiawah Island, and was designed by Pete and Alice Dye. The course was designed so that players have a view of the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, but also to expose golfers to the often-strong winds in the area.

Where is Kiawah Island Golf Resort?

134. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina that is located along a 10-mile mix of inland and beachfront property approximately 30 miles southwest of Charleston. It opened in May 1976 and consistently ranks as one of the country’s top resorts. The resort is home to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, ...

When did Kiawah Island open?

It opened in May 1976 and consistently ranks as one of the country’s top resorts. The resort is home to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a Forbes Five Star /AAA Five Diamond 255-room hotel and spa. The resort also manages nearly 500 private villas and homes and has more than a dozen restaurants.

How many yards is Ocean Course?

The Ocean Course is a par 72 course and from the championship tees, it stretches to 7,849 yards (7,177 m) with a slope rating of 155 and a course rating of 79.1, the highest in the country, according to the United States Golf Association.

How many yards is Cougar Point Golf Course?

It is a par 72 course and from the tournament tees it measures 6,875 yards (6,286 m) with a slope rating of 72.7/134.