Kiawah Island - Osprey Point

Osprey Point opened in 1988 as Tom Fazio's contribution to the growing collection of world-class courses at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Fazio originally conceived the course as a members-only layout, designing it with generous fairways, strategic water features, and a nature-immersive routing through the island's interior marshlands, lakes, and maritime forest. The course quickly became a favorite among resort guests for its playability and stunning natural beauty.

In 2014, Osprey Point underwent a comprehensive renovation under Tom Fazio's direction. The project included regrassing all tees, greens, and fairways with Paspalum, a salt-tolerant turf ideal for the coastal environment. Fazio also refined the bunkering and green complexes while maintaining the original character of the layout. The renovation elevated Osprey Point's conditioning to match the resort's flagship Ocean Course while preserving its reputation as a more welcoming, wildlife-rich alternative to Kiawah's more exposed seaside layouts.

Osprey Point offers one of the most nature-immersive golf experiences at Kiawah Island. The course winds through four large natural lakes, fingers of saltwater marsh, and dense maritime forest that teems with wildlife. Alligator sightings are common along the lakeshores, and the course is home to ospreys, herons, egrets, and numerous other bird species that give the course its name.

Compared to the windswept Ocean Course, Osprey Point provides a more sheltered experience with wider fairways and more forgiving landing areas. The Paspalum turf installed during the 2014 renovation provides excellent playing surfaces year-round. The course plays 6,932 yards from the back tees but offers multiple tee options that make it enjoyable for all skill levels.

While Osprey Point is more forgiving than the Ocean Course, water comes into play on the majority of holes, so course management is essential. Take extra club on approaches that carry water and aim for the fat part of greens rather than chasing tucked pins near hazards. The Paspalum greens can be slower than bermudagrass, so be aggressive with your putting stroke.

The sheltered interior routing means wind is less of a factor than on Kiawah's coastal courses, but sea breezes can still affect shots on exposed holes. Take time to enjoy the wildlife but maintain awareness around the lakeshores where alligators are frequently spotted. Book morning tee times for the best conditions and to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife active along the course.