Charleston/Kiawah Island Courses

Wife and I are planning a summer trip to the Charleston area and I plan on setting aside a day to get 36 in. Obviously the Kiawah Island courses are at the top of my list. Not sure I could afford the Ocean Course being that I want play 36. I'm thinking Osprey Point and Cougar Point.

Can I play the Kiawah Island courses without being a guest at the resort? What about the Seabrook courses? Any other courses in the the Charleston, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach area that are worth checking out?

Was there last July. Both Osprey and Cougar were under repair. Turtle Point was a big disappointment, waste of money imo. The ocean course is worth every penny and the you get a second play discount. We did not stay at the resort, rented a house on the Island.

[quote name='NativeTX' timestamp='1426249058' post='11134687']
Wife and I are planning a summer trip to the Charleston area and I plan on setting aside a day to get 36 in. Obviously the Kiawah Island courses are at the top of my list. Not sure I could afford the Ocean Course being that I want play 36. I'm thinking Osprey Point and Cougar Point.

Can I play the Kiawah Island courses without being a guest at the resort? What about the Seabrook courses? Any other courses in the the Charleston, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach area that are worth checking out?
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Playing down there is such a treat! I grew up vacationing there every summer with my family and didn't realize how blessed I was until I got older. Both Kiawah and Seabrook are open to the public. The Ocean Course is incredibly nice but the only drawback is that its $370 and you have to take a caddie in the morning. They make you take a forecaddie after noon. So factoring in tips, taxes, and beverages, its an expensive round.

The other Kiawah courses are $176 and don't make you take a caddie. I think it all depends on your budget. The Ocean Course is magnificent if you can afford it but the other courses are nice resort courses. Turtle Point is the 2nd highest regarded of the island's courses and is one of my favorites. Its a good Nicklaus design, favoring fade players, and has 3 holes on the Atlantic. I am not too impressed with Osprey, Cougar, or Oak Point. Oak Point is closed this summer for renovations.

The Seabrook courses (Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds) are surprisingly nice. I personally recommend Ocean Winds - its narrow on the front and has a number of holes on the back that weave throughout the dunes on the Atlantic. It was in fantastic shape when I played last summer. They also have a killer deal after 3pm - $75 for 18.

No matter what you do, you can't go wrong. Enjoy your trip and watch out for gators!

I would recommeend playing Kiawah Ocean and skipping the idea of 36 (quality over quanity). You don't go to the museum to look at the painting next to the Mona Lisa.

I caddied full time at the ocean course for almost 3 years. Cougar was my favorite course other than ocean, and turtle was the least. And yes, you can play them without being a resort guest. As for seabrook, one of the courses it nicer than the other. Its really tight and pretty short, crooked oaks i believe. Off the island, go to dunes west, Charleston national, or rivertowne(where they played annikas lpga tourneys)

edit: billow is right on seabrook. i couldnt remember which one was which. its been a few years...

edit #2: my profile pic is from #13 green while standing on 14 tee at ocean course.

I am currently at kiawah. I played the ocean course today, and it was beautiful but the course waste in the best condition. It will be better during summer. I will advise you to stay away from osprey as it has just been renovated but they haven't finished. Oak is going under renovations. Cougar is AWESOME and in great shape (greens were better than ocean course). and turtle is normal. I know ocean is expensive but during summer price drops and i believe they have a replay rate if you play cougar than the ocean. Also on st johns island ( where kiawah is) there is a decent course called stonoferry golf which has had decent review to look into. In Charleston their is dunes west and rivertown I believe which are you average golf courses on the cheaper side. I would definetly recommend the cougar and the ocean course

Agree-Cougar is the better option over Turtle Point.

[quote name='gelardi44' timestamp='1427934127' post='11265057']
I am currently at kiawah. I played the ocean course today, and it was beautiful but the course waste in the best condition. It will be better during summer. I will advise you to stay away from osprey as it has just been renovated but they haven't finished. Oak is going under renovations. Cougar is AWESOME and in great shape (greens were better than ocean course). and turtle is normal. I know ocean is expensive but during summer price drops and i believe they have a replay rate if you play cougar than the ocean. Also on st johns island ( where kiawah is) there is a decent course called stonoferry golf which has had decent review to look into. In Charleston their is dunes west and rivertown I believe which are you average golf courses on the cheaper side. I would definetly recommend the cougar and the ocean course
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I'm headed to Kiawah to play Ocean in a few weeks. Surprised to hear its not in top shape. What has happened? Is it still worth the $370 price tag?

Another vote for stono ferry. Very fun track. Some very nice holes along the intercostal.

[quote name='mtufenk' timestamp='1427952394' post='11266755']
I'm headed to Kiawah to play Ocean in a few weeks. Surprised to hear its not in top shape. What has happened? Is it still worth the $370 price tag?
[/quote]the greens had so many divots left in them and was impossible to make a 4 foot putt. just needs time but should be good in a month

The only course other than the Ocean to play is Couger. By far the best course out there fun and conditions wise. Stono is not to too far depending on where you stay. I live about 10 miles away and practice there all the time. Great condition and fun track.

Definitely recommend the Links at Stono Ferry if you're looking for an off island, reasonably priced option. The course is fantastic and the people there were really great.

Local guy here and recommend Stono as an off island site as well.

I would skip every other course to play the ocean course. There is a reason it's expensive and hosts world class events.