by Matthew Adams

Created on: August 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 21, 2008

Kiawah Island is a golf resort, and as such, you might gather that it is hot for golf! Located on a beautiful barrier island just a few miles off South Carolina, the resort has five award-winning championship golf courses: The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point and Cougar Point. Designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, they all provide unique play, but the Ocean Course stands out.

The Ocean Course has hosted the Senior PGA, Ryder Cup, two World Cups, the UBS Cup and PGA Professional National Championship. In addition, it is also due to host the 2012 PGA Championship. Not many courses can provide a better taste of championship golf than The Ocean Course.

So, what makes it so special? The wind, lots of wind! Few courses are affected by the wind as much as The Ocean Course. It is said, from round to round, that players can have up to an 8 club difference on holes depending on the wind's strength and direction. The course is raised, so does not have that much protection from the unpredictable sea breezes.

The Ocean Course is located on the eastern end of the island, so also has more seaside holes than any course in the Northern Hemisphere! It has 10 holes running across the Atlantic, which provide unique views of the coastline.

When we talk of tough holes on this course, you could mention the 2nd, 4th or the 18th. The second is a par 5 crossing a marshland, which will test any player. Hole 4 is a par 4, which has two marsh-carries and leaves players playing into the wind. Many consider it be the hardest hole of the outward 9. The 18th hole plays with the Atlantic along the right side, in addition with steep dunes. Players also gain panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and background dunes, making for a great finishing hole.

The Ocean Course also has a clubhouse with beach-style architecture. This clubhouse has The Atlantic Room, which features spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and 18th green. Aside from the views, the room also provides excellent clubhouse dining for the after round snack or beverage.

You can gain a unique opportunity to sample The Ocean Course via Kiawah Island's golf vacation packages. Either the Sanctuary Summer Package or the Villa Summer Golf Vacation package provides a round of golf per day, with a surcharge required for The Ocean Course. The main difference between the two packages is that the Sanctuary Package is hotel-based, while the Villa package is indeed with Villa accommodation, but also provides housekeeping. Both packages are recommended.

Overall, Kiawah Island provides a great family golf vacation with spectacular natural scenery and championship golf courses. It is little wonder why Golf Magazine voted Kiawah Island the second best golf resort in America!

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