Kiawah Island is one of those places that sticks in your mind long after you've packed the clubs away. Five championship courses, miles of Atlantic coastline and a pedigree that includes major championships and a Ryder Cup make this South Carolina barrier island a genuine must-play for anyone who loves big-time golf in a dramatic setting.
The Ocean Course is the headline act and, I'll admit, it's the one most of us have watched on TV and thought, "Right, I need a go at that." Designed by Pete Dye and Alice Dye (the same duo behind TPC Sawgrass, Harbour Town Golf Links and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo), it's as visually stunning as it is demanding.
It hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup (the "War by the Shore"), plus the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and it still feels built for the spotlight. You'll have the Atlantic in view for large stretches of the round and, more importantly, you feel the exposure almost everywhere. The wind is always part of the conversation and it can turn a comfortable number into something you really have to commit to. Expect big waste areas, bold shaping and greens that punish anything slightly lazy. The par-3 17th is one of the most photographed holes in American golf, a 221-yard carry over marshland to a green framed by sand and sea.
If you're putting a trip together, the real bonus is that you can pair the Ocean Course with four other top-quality rounds across the resort.
Who is this for? Golfers who want a proper 'I've played a major venue' tick, plus the option of four more resort courses without moving base.
Who is it best for? Confident ball-strikers and anyone who enjoys working the ball in the wind. Higher handicaps will still love the views, but bring plenty of balls and a sense of humour.
Include Kiawah Island on your next USA golf holiday with Your Golf Travel.
