The Best Kiawah Island Golf Courses for a Great Day of Play

Here is our Complete Guide to Kiawah Island Golf Courses.  For some, a trip to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island means spending days relaxing on the beach. For golfers, however, our coastal island is home to some of the best courses in the country. 

Avid fans of the sport return time and time again to watch high-stakes PGA Championship tournaments and to play the renowned greens within our gorgeous island community. Plus, with beautiful year-round weather, you never need to wait until spring to enjoy your favorite sport. Dust off your clubs and get back into the swing of things at the best Kiawah Island golf courses

Kiawah Island’s recognition as a world-class golf destination came with the historic Ryder Cup matches played on the Kiawah Island Ocean Course in 1991. Known in golf lore as the “War on the Shore” the US Team staged a heroic victory winning the final hole of the match to claim the cup.

Since that epic victory, Kiawah Island has hosted several world-class golf events including the inaugural Warburg Cup, the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, the 2012 PGA
Championship, and the upcoming 2021 PGA championship May 17 - 24, 2021. Golfers from around the world rank Kiawah Island as a top destination for a bucket list golf pilgrimage and it's no wonder why.

What are the Best Public Golf Courses on Kiawah Island?

1. The Ocean Course 

Dubbed “America’s Toughest Course” by Golf Digest, The Ocean Course is the crown jewel of Kiawah Island. In fact, it features more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Ocean Course

It’s a favorite among PGA professionals and amateur golfers alike. With challenging terrain and endless views of the Atlantic, you can expect a rewarding play every time.

The next major golf event at Kiawah Island will be the 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course, so start making your plans to attend now.

2. Cougar Point Golf Course

Cougar Point offers some of the most dramatic vistas on the island. In 2017, the course underwent a complete renovation.

Cougar Point Golf on KIawah

Today, the 18-hole links course features amazing tidal creek and marsh views, fresh greens, tees, and fairways, laser-level tee boxes, rebuilt bunkers, and an updated irrigation system.

Between the gorgeous backdrop and varied terrain, we guarantee that Cougar Point will become your new favorite place to play.

3. Osprey Point Golf Course

Like many of the other locations on this list, Osprey Point is praised for its stunning landscapes. As you play, you’ll enjoy views of lush maritime forests, lagoons, and saltwater marshes.

Osprey Golf on Kiawah

One accomplishment that sets Osprey Point apart from the competition is its title as one of America’s “Top 50 Courses for Women.”

It’s the perfect addition to a girlfriend’s getaway on Kiawah. It also boasts an excellent clubhouse and a restaurant that serves award-winning mac and cheese.

4. Turtle Point Golf Course

If you’re looking for a course endorsed by the pros, look no further than Turtle Point Golf Course. Designed by one of the greatest golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, Turtle Point is an excellent challenge for skilled players. The green features three beautiful oceanfront holes, vibrant fairways, lush forests, and calming lagoons.

Kiawah Island Golf Course

It was one of Nicklaus’ first designs and is an example of classic architecture at its finest. We have to warn you, though — it’s not for beginners.

Turtle Point invites skilled golfers to navigate minuscule greens, narrow fairways, and smartly placed water hazards.

5. Oak Point Golf Course

If you visited Oak Point before 2015, you might be surprised at how different it looks today. 

Kiawah Island golf course

The new and improved green now offers the same championship level of play found elsewhere on the island. 

With a rolling layout and picturesque scenery, you won’t find a course quite like this anywhere else.

When you play at Oak Point, you can test your mental game along with your swing.

Tee Up at These Kiawah Island Private Golf Courses

  • Cassique Golf Course

Kiawah Island Club Membership Required

Enjoy stunning views of the Kiawah River and adjoining creeks and marshes as you play a round at Cassique Golf Course. It was designed by five-time British Open champion, Tom Watson. Similar Irish and Scottish links-style courses inspired its creation, and ocean breezes make for an interesting, challenging game every time you visit.

Cassique Golf Club
  • The River Course

Kiawah Island Club Membership Required

The River Course is both historic and highly renowned. It was originally home to the first English settlement on the island in the 18th century.

Kiawah Island golf Course

The 18-hole fairway winds through the property alongside the Kiawah River and Bass Pond, as well as savannas and maritime forests.

In 1999, it was certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Golf Weekends on Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island


The Charleston area offers so many opportunities for golf and leisure year-round. Even the PGA of America loves Charleston Golf! Read our blog on the Best Charleston, SC Country clubs to find other great places to play near Kiawah and Seabrook Island.

From Kiawah Island to Seabrook Island to the historic peninsula, each Lowcountry community has its own character and charm. Getting to know the Holy City can be overwhelming, and that’s why it is always a great idea to consult with an experienced real estate agent

With over three decades of real estate experience, Pam Harrington Exclusives is known throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry as the No. 1 source for prime reality and luxury homes.

Whether you are searching for a spacious family home, a waterfront property, or a condo with incredible golf course views, we can help you secure the Lowcountry home of your dreams!