Ocean Course
at The Villas at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Charleston & Kiawah Island, USA
(69 reviews)
Kiawah Island Ocean Course overview
Designer: Pete Dye | Style: Links-Inspired | Length: 7,876 yards | Par: 72
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the most iconic championship golf courses in the United States, renowned for its dramatic coastal setting, challenging layout, and major tournament pedigree. Designed by Pete Dye, the Ocean Course is a true bucket-list venue, having hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2021, and numerous top amateur events.
Stretching an incredible 7,876 yards from the championship tees, the Ocean Course is the longest course to host a major and is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in American golf. Perched alongside the Atlantic Ocean, the course is fully exposed to coastal winds, with undulating fairways, fast greens, and natural dunes shaping every shot.
Whether you're planning a luxury golf trip in South Carolina or ticking off a dream venue on a USA golf tour, playing the Ocean Course promises an unforgettable experience on one of the world’s most dramatic seaside layouts.
Signature Holes
The Ocean Course is filled with unforgettable moments, but several standout holes define its world-class status:
- Hole 14 (Par 3) – This stunning par 3 plays directly toward the ocean, with swirling winds and a deep green guarded by bunkers and marsh.
- Hole 17 (Par 3) – One of the most famous holes in championship golf, this long par 3 over water was pivotal in the 1991 Ryder Cup and demands absolute precision.
- Hole 18 (Par 4) – A breathtaking finishing hole along the dunes, offering incredible views and a dramatic final test of nerve and shot-making.
Clubhouse & facilities
The Ocean Course Clubhouse is a superb facility, perfectly complementing the championship experience. Amenities include:
- A fully stocked pro shop with exclusive Ocean Course merchandise and premium golf equipment
- Locker rooms, buggy and caddie services, and full club hire
- A large practice area with range, short game complex, and putting greens
- Ryder Cup Bar & Grill – An elegant restaurant and terrace with panoramic views over the Atlantic and finishing holes
Did You Know?
Ranked the no.1 course in South Carolina by Golf Digest, the Ocean Course is one of only four courses in the USA to have hosted a Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships. As well as this, over half its holes run directly along the Atlantic, with every hole offering ocean views – a rarity in American golf.
Accommodation near Ocean Course
The Villas at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The Villas at Kiawah Island offer a wide selection of one to four-bedroom options. With five golf courses on property including the famous Ocean Course it’s a must-visit for all discerning golfers.
