Kiawah Island Ocean Course

One of the toughest & most famous golf courses in the world, 1991 Ryder Cup Venue—are you up for the challenge?

Robin Couchman, USA Golf Holiday Expert

Pete Dye’s masterpiece creations include The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. The front nine winds through the marshland, with tall, tree-lined fairways, while the back nine features magnificent dunes, with fewer trees and panoramic views of the ocean. The course is extremely difficult from the back Championship tees, and on a windy day, it’s considered one of the most challenging courses in the country.

Why Choose the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island?

• An iconic course that has hosted the PGA and Ryder Cup.
• We offer holiday rentals from 2-6 bedrooms—Click here to view the Kiawah Golf Villas.
• Access to 5 stunning golf courses on the island.
• Fantastic facilities in this huge resort.
• Miles of beaches and ocean views.

Although the course was initially intended to sit behind the dunes, Pete Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested raising the entire course to provide players with unobstructed views of Kiawah’s beautiful Atlantic coastline from every hole. The improved views made the course significantly more difficult, as it exposed it to the area’s brisk and unpredictable sea breezes.

Outside of the UK and Ireland, no other course is as affected by the wind as much as the Ocean Course. Depending on the wind, a player’s score on a hole can vary by up to 8 clubs from one round to the next. Pete Dye designed the course without prevailing winds in mind, creating a unique challenge for players.

Kiawah Island is located just under a 45-minute drive south of Charleston and is home to several golf courses. It’s widely regarded as one of the best golf destinations in the country. The Ocean Course is best known for hosting the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship, where Rory McIlroy won the Wanamaker Trophy. Playing this course is a walking-only experience, allowing golfers to enjoy strolling alongside their caddie while discussing shot strategies.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is one of Pete Dye’s classical creations and remains one of the best public golfing experiences in the world. It’s an ideal destination for your next trip to South Carolina.