The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island

The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island offers among the premiere golf course within South Carolina

The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island in South Carolina

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort hosted the 2007 Senior PGA and the 2012 PGA Championships, it will also host the 2021 PGA. The Ocean Course is the fourth course to have hosted each of the PGA of America’s major championships.

Probably no other golf course in the world outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland is affected as much by the wind. From one round to the next, a player can experience up to an 8-club difference on holes depending upon the direction and strength of the wind. Built-in 1991 by Pete Dye, there are no prevailing winds on the course. Dye took this into account when designing the course. In fact, he designed two courses into one – one for an easterly wind and one for a westerly wind.

Located on the eastern-most end of Kiawah Island, The Ocean Course has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere – 10 right along the Atlantic with the other 8 running parallel to those. Although it was originally designed to sit behind the dunes, Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested raising the entire course to allow players unobstructed views of Kiawah’s beautiful Atlantic coastline from every hole. This improved view, however, made the course substantially more demanding as it also exposed it to the area’s brisk and unpredictable sea breezes.

The Ocean Course gained instant notoriety as the host of the dramatic “War by the Shore,” a battle decided literally by the final putt of Sunday’s final match in 1991’s Ryder Cup Matches. In 1997, The Ocean Course hosted the World Cup of Golf, with the world’s finest golfers from 32 countries competing in the stroke play tournament. The inaugural UBS Cup took place on the course in 2001, and in 2003 the course hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup. The PGA Professional National Championship was played in June 2005.

Golf Digest named The Ocean Course “#3 Public Golf Course in the U.S.”, #20 among “America’s Greatest Courses” and “America’s Toughest Resort Course.” It is one of only 17 “5-star” courses in North America in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” reader’s poll. GOLF Magazine has rated it #4 in its “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. The Ocean Course has achieved the designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Sanctuary System and has recently been named “Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

With 18 holes offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is likely The Ocean Course would have earned widespread acclaim had no tournament ever been played there. In May 2007, The Ocean Course hosted the Senior PGA Championship, and in 2012 hosted the PGA Championship – the first of golf’s four majors to be played in South Carolina.

Enquire
  1. Accommodation options
    Accommodation
    - +
    - +
    add a room +
    close
  2. Golf options
    Golf options
    - +
    - +
    close
  3. Travel options
    Options
    close
  4. Next
  1. I have read the Privacy Policy & consent to the use of my personal information.

  2. Back
Hotels near The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Where gracious luxury lives in perfect harmony with unspoiled nature, just a stones throw from historic Charleston, South Carolina.

Resort View 6.75km / 4.19mi
Francis Marion Hotel

Located directly in the centre of Charleston across from Marion Square, this historic hotel has a full-service spa and also an on-site restaurant serving up classic Southern cuisine.

The Francis Marion Hotel's impressive hotel within impressive South Carolina. View 20.98km / 13.03mi
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

It begins with our spacious, thoughtfully designed guestrooms, which are designed to reflect their coastal Carolina setting. All feature the Westin Heavenly Bed and double-vanity Heavenly Bath, as well as a private balcony, many of which boast stunning ocean views.

Resort View 76.34km / 47.44mi
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Envision yourself relaxing at the picture-perfect Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. We are privileged to sit on the #1 island in the Continental United States, as ranked by Travel + Leisure, and the #3 island in the United States as voted on by Cond Nast Traveler.

View Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort's impressive main pool situated in dazzling South Carolina. View 82.48km / 51.25mi
The Sea Pines Resort

This legendary resort is a vast 5,000-acre retreat with 5 miles of beach located on the southernmost tip of beautiful Hilton Head Island. The Sea Pine Resort offers apartment-style villa accommodations with a range of modern amenities.

Resort View 86.46km / 53.72mi
Courtyard Myrtle Beach Broadway

Courtyard Myrtle Beach Broadway has an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, and fitness centre. Located just a 10 minutes' drive from Myrtle Beach Airport, the hotel offers a flat-screen cable TV with HBO in every room.

Hotel View 161.83km / 100.56mi
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Situated on the marina, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is located just 1.5 miles from the shores of the beautiful Myrtle Beach.

Hotel View 170.46km / 105.92mi
Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Located in the Kingston Plantation Resort Complex, this oceanfront all-suite hotel provides access to an endless variety of activities, including 9 swimming pools along with a free daily breakfast buffet.

Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort View 172.98km / 107.48mi
Holiday Inn Express North Augusta

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Augusta North in Augusta, you'll be in the suburbs and within the region of University of South Carolina

View Holiday Inn Express North Augusta's impressive hotel in dazzling Georgia. View 213.48km / 132.65mi
Carolina Hotel - Pinehurst Resort

This majestic century-old hotel with its sweeping verandas makes you feel as though youve stepped back in time to an era when elegance defined grand hotels and resorts.

Carolina Hotel Pinehurst Resort View 291.73km / 181.27mi
The Holly Inn - Pinehurst Resort

Built in 1895, The Holly was Pinehursts first hotel and is located in the heart of The Village. The Four Diamond Holly features 82 guest rooms and suites each as unique as the hotel itself.

View The Holly Inn - Pinehurst Resort's lovely hotel in brilliant North Carolina. View 291.86km / 181.35mi
The Manor Inn - Pinehurst Resort

Built in 1923, the intimate Manor features 42 guest rooms including suites and adjoining rooms.

Hotel View 292.04km / 181.46mi
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

From a pristine and private beach to world class golf and spa, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is the perfect getaway for both business and pleasure.

Resort View 297.49km / 184.85mi
Hilton Garden Inn Athens Downtown

Situated opposite the University of Georgias campus, Hilton Garden Inn Athens Downtown offers comfortable and reliable hotel accommodation.

The Hilton Garden Inn Athens Downtown's impressive hotel within impressive Georgia. View 345.55km / 214.71mi
Hammock Beach, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

Nestled on a stretch of unspoiled beach along the Atlantic Coast in Palm Coast Florida, Hammock Beach Resort is an extraordinary treasure.

Resort View 352.23km / 218.86mi
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

At the edge of the most famous beach in the world, in the center of Ocean Walk Village, Hilton Daytona Beach Resort surrounds you with new discoveries.

Resort View 387.62km / 240.86mi
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club and Lodge is charming, inviting and all about being the best of the best and not just when it comes to golf.

Hotel View 483.34km / 300.33mi
Rosen Inn At Pointe Orlando

The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando brings you style and comfort at a budget-friendly price without sacrificing amenities or service. We offer free gated parking, and youll never pay a resort fee with us.

Resort View 484.89km / 301.29mi
Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

Surrounded by 36 holes of championship Orlando golf, the Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters and 15 acres of recreation, this Four Diamond resort is one of the nation's premier golf, meeting and leisure retreats.

Resort View 507.53km / 315.36mi
Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

Features include outdoor pools with water slides, 11 tennis courts, and 4 golf courses.

course View 564.85km / 350.98mi
Need help?
Call our experts 0330 880 36 36