The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Pete Dye’s ferocious Atlantic-edge test — the ‘War by the Shore’ Ryder Cup course and a two-time PGA Championship venue that many call the hardest resort course in America.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in photos
Can I play The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island?
Yes — the Ocean Course is the marquee public-access layout at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, so visitors can play. Resort guests get earlier booking windows and preferred rates; non-guests can book too, subject to availability. It is Pete Dye’s 1991 championship links along the Atlantic, host of the ‘War by the Shore’ Ryder Cup and two PGA Championships.
How to book: Book through Kiawah Island Golf Resort — staying at The Sanctuary or a resort villa unlocks the best tee times and rates, ideally reserved 60–90 days ahead for peak spring and autumn dates. A forecaddie is required on morning rounds, and carts are restricted until later in the day, so plan to walk.
About The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Built by Pete and Alice Dye for the 1991 Ryder Cup, the Ocean Course strings out along two-plus miles of South Carolina coastline with the Atlantic in view on every hole. Elevated greens, twisting bunkers and relentless wind make it a genuine major-championship test — Rory McIlroy won the 2012 PGA here and Phil Mickelson became the oldest major champion in 2021. It is public via Kiawah Island Golf Resort, though a forecaddie is required and walking is the norm. Beautiful, exposed and unforgiving, it is a must-play for golfers chasing the game’s great venues.
Signature hole
The par-3 17th over water — the do-or-die tee shot that decided the 1991 Ryder Cup and is one of the most photographed holes in American golf.
What makes it special
The ‘War by the Shore’
The 1991 Ryder Cup here was one of the most dramatic ever, decided on the final green of the final match.
Two PGA Championships
Rory McIlroy (2012) and Phil Mickelson (2021) both lifted the Wanamaker Trophy on this course, with a third PGA scheduled for 2031.
Ten holes hard against the Atlantic
Pete Dye raised the fairways so the ocean is visible throughout — spectacular scenery and nowhere to hide from the wind.
Tournament pedigree
- 1991 Ryder Cup (‘War by the Shore’)
- 2007 Senior PGA Championship
- 2012 PGA Championship (Rory McIlroy)
- 2021 PGA Championship (Phil Mickelson)
- 2031 PGA Championship (scheduled)
Need to know
Best time to play
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best mix of firm turf, comfortable temperatures and lighter winds. Summer is hot and humid; winter is playable but blustery and cool off the Atlantic.
Dress code
Collared shirts required; tailored trousers or shorts, no denim, and soft spikes only. Bring wind and rain layers — the Atlantic breeze is a constant.
Good to know
Regularly rated the toughest resort course in America, with a slope of 155 from the tips and wind that can move a full two clubs. A forecaddie is required for morning play, walking is encouraged and carts are limited early, so pace and fitness matter. Play a sensible set of tees — the championship yardage is brutal.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Charleston International Airport (CHS) — about 30 miles / 45–60 minutes by car.
On arrival
Fly into Charleston (CHS), then drive roughly 45–60 minutes south-west to Kiawah Island; the Ocean Course sits at the island’s far eastern end past the resort gate. A car is essential — the island is spread out and there is no public transport.
Stay near the course
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the flagship hotel and gives golfers the best access; the resort also rents villas and homes across the island, and nearby Charleston offers a wider choice of hotels for non-golf days.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Wentworth Mansion
Charleston
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices The Charleston Place
Charleston
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Hotel Bennett
Charleston
A taste of the luxury stays near The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Kiawah Island — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Kiawah Island.
Explore Kiawah IslandFrequently asked questions
Can I play the Ocean Course?
Yes — it is open to the public through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Resort guests get priority booking windows and better rates, but non-guests can reserve tee times subject to availability.
How much does it cost to play?
Green fees are steep and seasonal — roughly US$234 on some resort-guest packages up to around US$600 at peak, plus a mandatory forecaddie fee and gratuity. Check the official site for current rates.
Do I need a caddie, and can I ride?
A forecaddie is required for morning rounds and walking is encouraged; carts are restricted until later in the day. Budget for the caddie fee on top of the green fee.
How far ahead should I book?
Aim for 60–90 days out for peak spring and autumn dates, and stay at the resort to access the earliest booking windows.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: Pammymags, CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.