Kiawah Island - Ocean Course

The Ocean Course was built at a furious pace by Pete and Alice Dye from 1989 to 1991, opening just in time to host the 1991 Ryder Cup — the famous "War by the Shore" decided on the final putt by Bernhard Langer. The course was originally intended to sit behind the dunes, but Alice Dye suggested raising the fairways so that every hole would have ocean views, a decision that made it the most exposed seaside course in North America with 10 holes directly along the Atlantic.

The Ocean Course has since hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, won by Rory McIlroy with a record 13-under total, and the 2021 PGA Championship, claimed by Phil Mickelson at age 50 to become the oldest major champion in history. The course was also selected to host the 2031 Ryder Cup. Over its lifetime, Dye has made subtle refinements to tees and bunkering, but the essential design remains a tribute to the wild, windswept links courses of the British Isles.

The Ocean Course is one of the most exposed and windswept layouts in American golf. Every hole offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the course is routed so that the wind direction changes constantly — no two consecutive holes play in the same direction. Expect dramatic elevation changes between dune ridges and low-lying marsh areas, with sandy waste areas, sea grasses, and Dye's signature railroad-tie bulkheads throughout.

This is a genuinely difficult test of golf. The course rating from the championship tees is 77.2 with a slope of 144. Even from the resort tees at around 6,200 yards, the wind makes club selection a constant challenge. Caddie service is mandatory and highly recommended — the local caddies' knowledge of wind patterns and green reads is invaluable.

Wind management is the single most important skill at the Ocean Course. Bring your low-trajectory shots and expect to hit knockdown irons throughout the round. The wind typically blows 15-25 mph, and on gusty days it can reach 30-40 mph, changing a wedge shot into a 5-iron.

Play from appropriate tees — the course is a brute from the tips and most golfers will enjoy it far more from the resort tees. Trust your caddie on club selection and green reads. The greens are firm and fast, so plan to land approach shots short and let them feed onto the putting surfaces. Bring plenty of extra golf balls.