Kiawah Trip Review

wrayner · July 27, 2014

So just got back from a week in Kiawah Island where I managed to get 4 rounds in. Played Oak, Turtle, Ocean Course and Cougar while I was there. If I had to rank them Ocean would obviously be first by a LONG way but next in line would have to be Cougar as I really liked the design and the bunkering Gary Player used. Turtle to me was kind of boring and the 3 holes on the ocean are just blah and only there to say "3 holes on the ocean". Oak was definitely last and definitely the runt of the litter. In terms of the Ocean Course, it's second to none. It was in phenomenal shape and it's just a gem of a golf course. Managed to hold the round together when the wind kicked up on the back nine and fired a smooth 76. If you get the opportunity to play there don't pass it up. For anyone who does end up playing I have an awesome caddy so just PM me.

oldschoolrocker · July 28, 2014

Glad you enjoyed your visit to the Lowcountry. I hope you managed to get off the island and sample some of our regional cuisine as well.
Very good round on the Ocean as well. It is one helluva course.

PapaJohick · July 28, 2014

Everybody hates on oak haha. I felt the same about turtle though. Good challenging course but nothing real special about it. I like oak (maybe because I play it kind of often) but ya compared to the others it's not spectacular haha but good course

Roody · August 21, 2014

So a little back story before I ask my questions. Last year was my 40th birthday, and the wife and I went on a trip to Pebble Beach as my birthday gift. Next year, my wife turns 40, and I of course have to return the favor and let her pick somewhere she wants to go. Initially she was talking about Maine or Prince Edward Island, but remains undecided to this day.

Anyways, the other day she asks me out of the blue "is Kiawah Island, is that a golf resort you know and recognize?". My response is "yeah, it has a great golf course where they've had majors and a Ryder Cup, why?". She says "I was looking for east coast ocean resorts for my 40th birthday trip, and this one looked nice". It's 100% her choice, so I don't want to try and influence her too much, but holy sh1tballs! I couldn't believe my possible luck if she goes with this.

I did some quick research, and it looks like about $700 per night. I think if we went, I'd probably only be able to squeeze in one round since this is her trip, not mine. The captain obvious decision is to play the Ocean Course. So my questions are:

- What were they getting for greens fees when you played?
- Are there a lot of other activities outside of golf that are centered around couples? Her big concern is she wants to go somewhere "where there will be stuff to do besides just sitting on a beach".
- What were the temps like this time of year?

Thanks in advance for any help.

potomacgolfer · August 21, 2014

[quote name='Roody' timestamp='1408637323' post='9980255']
So a little back story before I ask my questions. Last year was my 40th birthday, and the wife and I went on a trip to Pebble Beach as my birthday gift. Next year, my wife turns 40, and I of course have to return the favor and let her pick somewhere she wants to go. Initially she was talking about Maine or Prince Edward Island, but remains undecided to this day.

Anyways, the other day she asks me out of the blue "is Kiawah Island, is that a golf resort you know and recognize?". My response is "yeah, it has a great golf course where they've had majors and a Ryder Cup, why?". She says "I was looking for east coast ocean resorts for my 40th birthday trip, and this one looked nice". It's 100% her choice, so I don't want to try and influence her too much, but holy sh1tballs! I couldn't believe my possible luck if she goes with this.

I did some quick research, and it looks like about $700 per night. I think if we went, I'd probably only be able to squeeze in one round since this is her trip, not mine. The captain obvious decision is to play the Ocean Course. So my questions are:

- What were they getting for greens fees when you played?
- Are there a lot of other activities outside of golf that are centered around couples? Her big concern is she wants to go somewhere "where there will be stuff to do besides just sitting on a beach".
- What were the temps like this time of year?

Thanks in advance for any help.
[/quote]

Ocean course rack rate is approx. $375 plus $80 caddy fee, but call the Sanctuary and they can tailor a "package" even if it's just one round for one player despite two guests in the hotel room (the hotel also has a AAA discount for rooms). It's worth it -- great course, great hotel (comparable to a Ritz Carlton).

August weather -- assume 90s and humid on average; September is better if you aren't used to Southern heat.

Other activities: low-impact leisure biking on the island boardwalks and paved paths, w/ easy spotting of wildlife; kayaking or canoeing in the marshes; well-ranked spa; small shopping boutiques 5 mins off the island at Freshfields Village.

padget · August 21, 2014

I live in charleston, Kiawah is about 45 minutes from downtown. The temp might say 90's but it is going to be some very intense humidity. Not a deal breaker for everyone, but be prepared. Beach, spa, good food and drinks should help offset that!

Kiawah has the normal spa, outdoor nature activities and beach. I would recommend getting off the resort and checking out downtown charleston and surrounding areas for a day or 2 if you are staying for more than a long weekend. Lots of history and great dining (Husk, Cypress, Fig, I like Rue de Jean but it's not as fine dining as the others). We have plenty of historical sites, buildings and gardens (Middleton plantation, not too far from Kiawah). There is an old civil war base on Sullivan's island (fort moultrie, first shots of the civil war I think) , grab a burger at Poe's tavern while you're out there (been there for a long time, burgers are named after Edgar Allen Poe stories, cool spot).

I've played a few courses on Kiawah, but not the ocean. I think if I had 1 round and the scratch to do so, go ahead and play it. Although Kiawah has several fantastic tracks, they are known for the ocean course. Do it. None of them are going to be cheap $4-5 hundred including caddy sounds about right.

Happy 40th to you both and enjoy your vacation wherever you decide!

wrayner · August 21, 2014

[quote name='Roody' timestamp='1408637323' post='9980255']
So a little back story before I ask my questions. Last year was my 40th birthday, and the wife and I went on a trip to Pebble Beach as my birthday gift. Next year, my wife turns 40, and I of course have to return the favor and let her pick somewhere she wants to go. Initially she was talking about Maine or Prince Edward Island, but remains undecided to this day.

Anyways, the other day she asks me out of the blue "is Kiawah Island, is that a golf resort you know and recognize?". My response is "yeah, it has a great golf course where they've had majors and a Ryder Cup, why?". She says "I was looking for east coast ocean resorts for my 40th birthday trip, and this one looked nice". It's 100% her choice, so I don't want to try and influence her too much, but holy sh1tballs! I couldn't believe my possible luck if she goes with this.

I did some quick research, and it looks like about $700 per night. I think if we went, I'd probably only be able to squeeze in one round since this is her trip, not mine. The captain obvious decision is to play the Ocean Course. So my questions are:

- What were they getting for greens fees when you played?
- Are there a lot of other activities outside of golf that are centered around couples? Her big concern is she wants to go somewhere "where there will be stuff to do besides just sitting on a beach".
- What were the temps like this time of year?

Thanks in advance for any help.
[/quote]

I can't quote on prices for the resort as my fiancé's aunt and uncle have a home we stay in but if I do recall I paid $100 or Oak, $150 for Turtle and Cougar and then $285 plus $100 for the caddy at the Ocean Course. If you go in August that's right before they start jacking the prices up. If you do have the ability to get one round in then make it the Ocean Course. There really isn't much like it, especially if the wind starts blowing. Its in absolute mint condition all the time and it was a real treat to play.

In terms of other activities, as other people have mentioned mostly outdoor stuff. We biked a lot, laid on the beach and pretty much just relaxed. Definitely take a trip into Charleston as it's a great city with lots of history.

When we were there it was mostly in the high 80s and 90s and the humidity was high at times but for the most part bearable. Kiawah is definitely a great place to spend time at and I highly recommend it to everyone. If you need a caddy suggestion for the Ocean Course I have a great one for you. Cheers!

dcmidnight · August 22, 2014

Dont forget, you can also get a very, very nice 1BR condo on the island for @ $150/200 a night. Not your typical beachfront community 70s style condo either. My wife and I got married down there and rented them twice, gorgeous places each time and right on the ocean, steps from the beach. Is the Sanctuary gorgeous - of course it is, its amazing. But if I was going for 3-4 nights, even for a 40th birthday, I'd strongly consider the condo route and taking the extra $2,000 I had leftover and buying something nice.

Or playing the Ocean Course, your choice

potomacgolfer · August 22, 2014

[quote name='dcmidnight' timestamp='1408702882' post='9985449']
Dont forget, you can also get a very, very nice 1BR condo on the island for @ $150/200 a night. Not your typical beachfront community 70s style condo either. My wife and I got married down there and rented them twice, gorgeous places each time and right on the ocean, steps from the beach. Is the Sanctuary gorgeous - of course it is, its amazing. But if I was going for 3-4 nights, even for a 40th birthday, I'd strongly consider the condo route and taking the extra $2,000 I had leftover and buying something nice.

Or playing the Ocean Course, your choice
[/quote]

+1. You can request a unit in the Turtle Point villas, which are a 3-5 min walk from the Sanctuary, and ask for a quote on a "premier-level" villa (they sort the villas according to furnishing levels -- premiers have granite countertops in the kitchen etc. I've stayed there and in the Sanctuary several times -- both are fine although Sanctuary obviously is Ritz-like whereas the villas are like staying in a friend's nice beach condo.