Best Kiawah Island Golf Courses | Where to Play
Kiawah Island is a world class golf destination with five beautiful courses that people come from all around the world to play. This is your guide to the best Kiawah Island golf courses from best to “worst”, so you can choose which ones to play and which ones to skip during your trip.
What Are the Must-See Golf Courses On Kiawah Island?
While all of the Kiawah Island golf courses are stunning and worth a visit, there are a few that stand out more than the rest for their excellent game play and amazing views.
Best Kiawah Island Golf Courses #1 : Kiawah Island Ocean Course
The Kiawah Island Ocean Course is world famous for its unobstructed ocean views, challenging game play and being the location of multiple golf tournaments over the years, along with a few movies. This public course is definitely the #1 choice when it comes to the best Kiawah Island golf courses to experience. It’s actually in the top five courses in the United States AND top 25 in the world!
Designed by Pete Dye, the course can be very challenging at times because the holes aren’t shielded from the wind, making for an exciting and engaging game. In fact, the course was designed as two courses in one, one each for either easterly or westerly winds.
The Kiawah Island Ocean Course only allows golf carts after 10:00am June through August. Outside of those times, it is walking only with a caddie. This is so you can soak in the beautiful views and get a one-of-a-kind experience. Also keep in mind this course is significantly more per round than any of the other Kiawah Island golf courses, up to $750 per round, so plan accordingly!
After your round you can grab a bite to eat or a drink at the casual Ryder Cup Bar, or eat a full delicious meal at the renowned Atlantic Room, both at the Ocean Course clubhouse.
Reserve your round on the Ocean course website, and keep in mind that you will want to reserve well in advance.
#2 and #3 : Cassique Golf Course & River Course at Kiawah Island Club
The two next best golf courses on Kiawah Island, the Cassique Golf Course (#2) and River Golf Course (#3) are actually private courses at the Kiawah Island Club. Unless you get to visit as a guest or obtain access some other way, this is a bit irrelevant for travelers. Either way, you can dream!
The Cassique Golf Course is the better of the two, designed by Tom Watson and boasting beautiful water views and incredible scenery, with challenging (and rewarding!) game play that isn’t protected from ocean winds. Built along the Kiawah river, the River Golf Course at Kiawah Island Club was designed by Tom Fazio, featuring six holes that hug the beautiful river edge.
Guests are able to make reservations up to 48 hours in advance for the golf course. Read more about their guest policy here.
Credit for the two above images: Kiawah Island Club website
#4 : Cougar Point Golf Kiawah Island
After its renovation in 2017, Cougar Point is known for being the second best Kiawah island golf course at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, for its impeccable conditions, sprawling marsh views, natural wildlife and brand new clubhouse. This award-winning course was designed by Gary Player and was featured on the big screen in The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Stop by for a drink or bite to eat at the Player’s Pub before or after your round, or check out the nearby Beachwalker Park.
I wrote a full Cougar Point golf course review, in case you want to read more! You can reserve a tee time at the Cougar Point Golf Course website,
Best Kiawah Island Golf Courses #5 : Osprey Point Golf Course Kiawah Island
Opsrey Point has always been one of the best Kiawah Island golf courses, and it actually used to be a private course. Luckily now it’s a public course that visitors can and should definitely experience during a visit to the island. Designed by Tom Fazio, each of the 18 holes are unique and memorable, capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
After your round, make sure to stop by the award-winning Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House at the Osprey Point clubhouse. Find out more about each hole and then reserve your round at the Osprey Point Golf Course website.
#6 : Turtle Point Golf Course
Turtle Point is another one of the best Kiawah Island golf courses for its excellent design by Jack Nicklaus and especially its three oceanfront holes boasting gorgeous views. Have a delicious Italian meal at Tomasso at Turtle Point after your round at the clubhouse.
Turtle Point also shouldn’t be too tough to get a reservation at, although you should of course still book a few weeks in advance. You can make your reservation at the Turtle Point Golf Course site here.
Last But Not Least #7 : Oak Point Golf Course
The Oak Point golf course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was created by Clyde Johnston, sitting by the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek with plenty of water and forest views. The staff member we talked to said that a lot of the island’s alligators have headed over to Oak Point, making it an excellent course for nature and wildlife lovers. Just don’t get too close!
You can make your reservation for Oak Point Golf Course here. As it’s not the island’s most popular course, it should be easier to get a tee time here with a huge plus.
Planning Your Kiawah Island Vacation
Put together your Kiawah Island vacation using the info I’ve gathered below for a beautiful, nature-filled vacation on the coast.
Kiawah Island Map
You can see where each golf course is, and what accommodations are nearby on the Kiawah Island map I created, in case you want to stay near a certain course! Keep in mind golf carts aren’t allowed on the roads on Kiawah Island unfortunately.
Where to Stay On Kiawah Island For Golfers
Where you stay will depend on what golf courses you’ll be visiting, how often you’ll be golfing and what you want to do on the island. Overall the best options on Kiawah Island are the vacation rentals through the resort, which will give you resort access and tons of space. You can also of course stay on the resort, or a little off the island. Read my full guide to the best places to stay on Kiawah Island to learn more!
Lauren Kessel is the owner and author for the Inspired Luxury Traveler blog. Lauren is passionate about travel and finding the absolute best experiences and destinations, from adventure travel to luxury travel and beyond. After earning her degree in Tourism, planning countless vacations for herself and others, and visiting over 12 countries and 30 states, she is sharing her knowledge and love of travel.
Lauren believes travel is an important way to learn about the different cultures, ultimately leading to more understanding and peace throughout the world.
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