Kiawah Island has been a destination for serious golfers since the Pete Dye – designed Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup — a match remembered in golf history as the "War on the Shore." In the decades since, the island has hosted four major championships and earned a place on nearly every serious golfer's travel list.
Seven courses occupy the island, designed by some of the most recognized names in golf architecture. Five are open to resort guests and the public through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Two — Cassique and the River Course — are private, accessible only to Kiawah Island Club members and their guests.
Quick Facts
Golf on Kiawah Island
- Courses
- 7 total — 5 public resort courses, 2 private Kiawah Island Club courses
- Signature Course
- The Ocean Course — Pete Dye, 1991. All 18 holes with Atlantic views; highest USGA course rating in the country.
- Designers
- Pete Dye · Jack Nicklaus · Tom Fazio · Gary Player · Clyde Johnston · Tom Watson
- Championships
- 1991 Ryder Cup · 2007 Senior PGA · 2012 PGA Championship · 2021 PGA Championship · 2031 PGA Championship
- Public Access
- Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point, Oak Point — open to resort guests
- Private Access
- River Course and Cassique — Kiawah Island Club membership required
- Location
- Kiawah Island, SC — 25 miles southwest of Charleston
Public Golf Courses at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
1. The Ocean Course - Pete Dye, 1991
Dubbed “America's Toughest Course” by Golf Digest, The Ocean Course is the crown jewel of Kiawah Island. It features more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere.
Designed by Pete Dye, it's a favorite among PGA professionals and amateur golfers alike. With challenging terrain, a natural sand area, and endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect a rewarding play every time.
The next major golf event at Kiawah Island will be the 2031 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course, so start planning to attend now.
2. Cougar Point - Gary Player, original design; renovated 2017
Cougar Point Golf Course offers some of the most dramatic vistas on the island. In 2017, the course underwent a complete renovation, including a beautiful new clubhouse with a bar and restaurant.
Today, the 18-hole links course features amazing tidal creek and marsh views, fresh greens, tees, fairways, laser-level tee boxes, rebuilt bunkers, and an updated irrigation system.
Between the gorgeous backdrop and varied terrain, we predict Cougar Point will become a new favorite place to play.
3. Osprey Point Golf Course - Tom Fazio, 1988
Like other Kiawah Island golf courses on this list, Osprey Point Golf Course is praised for its stunning landscapes. You'll enjoy views of lush maritime forests, lagoons, and saltwater marshes as you play.
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 in South Carolina. It also boasts an excellent clubhouse and a restaurant that serves award-winning mac and cheese.
4. Turtle Point Golf Course - Jack Niclaus, 1981
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. This Kiawah Island golf course features three beautiful seaside holes, a natural dune area, vibrant fairways, lush forests, and calming lagoons.
It was one of Nicklaus's first designs and is an example of classic architecture at its finest. We have to warn you, though—it's not for beginners. You will have to determine wind speed when selecting your club. Even a half wedge can make a difference between par and the dreaded double bogey!
Turtle Point invites skilled golfers to navigate minuscule greens, narrow fairways, and smartly placed water hazards.
5. Oak Point Golf Course - Clyde Johnston, 1995
If you visited Oak Point before 2015, you might be surprised at how different it looks today.
The new and improved slightly elevated green now offers the same championship level of play found elsewhere on the island. Located off the island in Kiawah River Estates, Oak Point Golf Course is an excellent option for locals. Residents of KRE have the option to join the Kiawah Island Governors Club.
With a rolling layout and picturesque scenery, this course is unlike any other in South Carolina. When you play at Oak Point, you can test your mental game and your swing.
Tee Up at These Kiawah Island Private Golf Courses
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Cassique Golf Club - Tom Watson, 2000
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, 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 engaging, challenging game every time you visit.
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The River Course - Tom Fazio, 1995
Kiawah Island Club Membership Required
The River Course is both historic and highly renowned. In the 18th century, it was home to the first English settlement on the island.
The 18-hole fairway winds through the property, passing by the Kiawah River and Bass Pond, savannas, and maritime forests.
In 1999, it was certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Golf on Kiawah Island: What to Know Before You Book
Public vs. private: The five Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses (Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, Oak Point) are bookable by resort guests and the public. Cassique and the River Course require Kiawah Island Club membership.
Governors Club: All Kiawah Island property owners are eligible for Governors Club membership, which provides preferred rates at the five resort courses and other amenities. Governors Club membership does not include access to Kiawah Island Club facilities.
Best time to play: Kiawah Island's mild Lowcountry climate supports year-round play. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions; summer rounds are best scheduled early in the morning. Ocean Course winds are most variable in spring, which adds to the challenge during the May window the PGA Championship has used.
Tee time booking: Resort courses can be booked directly through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Non-resort guests can book public tee times; rates vary by season and course.
Frequently Asked Questions: Golf on Kiawah Island
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How many golf courses are on Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island has seven championship golf courses. Five are public resort courses operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point. Two — Cassique and the River Course — are private and require Kiawah Island Club membership.
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Is golf on Kiawah Island open to the public?
Five of Kiawah Island's seven courses are open to the public through Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point. Tee times can be booked directly through the resort. The remaining two courses — Cassique and the River Course — are private and restricted to Kiawah Island Club members and their guests.
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Who designed the golf courses on Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island's seven courses were designed by Pete Dye (The Ocean Course), Jack Nicklaus (Turtle Point), Tom Fazio (Osprey Point and The River Course), Gary Player (Cougar Point, original design), Clyde Johnston (Oak Point), and Tom Watson (Cassique).
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What major golf championships has Kiawah Island hosted?
Kiawah Island has hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2021 PGA Championship — all played on The Ocean Course. The 2031 PGA Championship is scheduled to return to The Ocean Course.
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What is the Governors Club on Kiawah Island?
The Governors Club is a membership program available to all Kiawah Island property owners. It provides preferred rates at the five public Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses, along with discounts on tennis, dining, spa, and other resort amenities. Governors Club membership does not include access to the private Kiawah Island Club courses, Cassique and the River Course.
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When is the best time to play golf on Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island's Lowcountry climate supports year-round golf. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable playing conditions. Summer rounds are best scheduled in the early morning before afternoon heat builds. The Ocean Course is particularly challenging in spring, when ocean winds are most variable.
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What is the difference between the Kiawah Island Club and Kiawah Island Golf Resort?
Kiawah Island Golf Resort operates the five public courses on the island and is accessible to all resort guests and the public. The Kiawah Island Club is a private membership organization operating two additional courses — Cassique and the River Course — along with a beach club, sports pavilion, and spa. Club membership is tied to specific properties on the island and is not available for purchase independently.
Thinking About Kiawah Island Beyond the Course?
Pam Harrington Exclusives has been selling real estate on Kiawah Island since 1978. If golf access is part of why you're considering Kiawah — whether Club membership matters to you or resort golf is enough — we can walk through which neighborhoods align with which courses and memberships.
Call 843.768.3635 or sign up for real estate alerts.
About Pam Harrington Exclusives
Pam Harrington Exclusives is an independent luxury real estate brokerage founded in 1978, specializing in Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Johns Island, South Carolina.
The firm has completed over $2 billion in cumulative sales and operates as an MLS-affiliated, women-owned company based at 4341 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455. Phone: 843.768.3635.