Description
The Ocean Course boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere with ten hugging the Atlantic and the other eight running parallel to those. Although it was originally planned to sit behind the dunes, designer Pete Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested raising the entire course to give players unobstructed views of Kiawah’s stunning coastline from every hole. One catch? This improved view made the course substantially more demanding as it also exposed play to the Atlantic’s brisk and unpredictable breezes.
Signature Hole
Once again the genius of Pete Dye challenges us on the 17th with a fearsome par 3 with water, with 221 yards from the bottom. From the elevated tee you can see the ocean to the right and have an impressive view of a huge green that runs diagonally staked out of wood behind the water hazard. The shot to the green is all above the water, although there is a safer shot to the left of the green for those who trust their short game more than their long game. It is the most visually spectacular hole among the final holes that play next to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as one of the most difficult.
Wegolf Insider Tip
Kiawah is an icon of American golf. For its designer, for its layout, for its views and for the corridors of its clubhouse that recall historical moments. Photos of the 1991 Ryder that was defined with the last putt of the last match on the 18th hole on Sunday, Phil Mickelson's PGA Championship in 2021 as the longest-serving Major champion, or the first Wanamaker trophy won by a young 23-year-old Rory , by 8 shots ahead. Undoubtedly a world top place.