Kiawah Island Golf Resort Review (2024)
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for a new and exciting golfing destination? Look no further than Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Located on the beautiful and scenic Kiawah Island in South Carolina, this golf resort offers some of the best and most challenging courses in the world.
At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, you will find five world-class golf courses to choose from, each designed by renowned golf course architects and offering a unique and unforgettable golfing experience. The Ocean Course, for example, is a stunning 18-hole course that winds along the Atlantic Ocean and offers breathtaking views of the coast. The Cougar Point Course, on the other hand, features a more traditional design and is perfect for players of all skill levels.
In addition to its impressive courses, Kiawah Island Golf Resort also offers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure that your golfing experience is top-notch. The resort’s state-of-the-art practice facility, for instance, features multiple putting and chipping greens, as well as a large driving range where you can work on your swing. The resort also offers club rentals, golf lessons, and a variety of other services to help you improve your game.
But Kiawah Island Golf Resort is more than just a great place to play golf. It is also a luxurious and relaxing retreat where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from cozy cottages to spacious villas, all of which are designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience. You can also take advantage of the resort’s many dining and entertainment options, including fine dining restaurants, casual cafes, and live music venues.
GOLF COURSE
LAYOUT AND DESIGN.
The Ocean Course, designed by Pete Dye, is the crown jewel of the resort and has hosted several major tournaments, including the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship. The course has a challenging layout that takes golfers through the dunes and along the ocean, providing breathtaking views throughout the round.
CONDITION OF THE COURSE.
The courses at Kiawah Island Golf Resort are meticulously maintained and offer excellent playing conditions. The fairways are lush and the greens are fast and true, providing a fair test of golf for players of all skill levels. The maintenance team takes great pride in their work, ensuring that the courses are in top condition year-round.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL AND CHALLENGES.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers golfers a range of difficulty levels, from the more forgiving Turtle Point course to the challenging Ocean Course. The courses feature a variety of challenges, including tight fairways, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. The Ocean Course, in particular, is known for its difficulty, with strong winds and challenging greens that require precise shot-making.
SPECIAL FEATURES AND SIGNATURE HOLES.
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has several special features and signature holes that make the courses memorable. The Ocean Course’s signature hole is the par-3 17th, which requires a tee shot over the ocean to a small green that is surrounded by bunkers. The Osprey Point course features several holes that play along the Kiawah River, offering stunning views and challenging shots over water. The Cougar Point course features several holes that wind through marshland, providing a unique and beautiful playing experience.
HISTORY
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has a rich history, with the first course, Marsh Point, opening in 1976. Since then, the resort has added several more courses and has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, including the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship. The resort has also been recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with all of the courses certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
AMENITIES
Kiawah Island Golf Resort provides a variety of amenities for its guests to enjoy. The resort features five championship golf courses, a tennis center, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, and biking. The resort also has several pools, including an adults-only pool, as well as a beach with beach chairs and umbrellas available for use.
ACCOMMODATIONS.
The resort offers a range of accommodations, from rooms in the Sanctuary Hotel to private villas and homes. All accommodations are elegantly designed and feature high-end amenities, such as plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Sanctuary Hotel is a luxury oceanfront hotel with 255 guest rooms and suites, while the villas and homes offer a more private and spacious option for families or groups.
DINING.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort features several restaurants and dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. The Ocean Room, located in the Sanctuary Hotel, is the resort’s signature steakhouse and offers stunning ocean views. The Jasmine Porch is a casual restaurant that features Lowcountry cuisine and is located in the Sanctuary Hotel. The Loggerhead Grill is a more casual option, located near the beach and offering burgers, sandwiches, and other classic beach fare.
SPA AND FITNESS.
The Sanctuary Spa is a full-service spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa also features a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The resort’s fitness center is located in the Sanctuary Hotel and is open 24 hours a day, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and fitness classes.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an ideal location for meetings and events, with over 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The resort offers a variety of meeting rooms, as well as outdoor venues, including the Ocean Course clubhouse and the Sanctuary Beach. The resort’s event planning team can assist in creating custom menus, arranging activities, and coordinating transportation.
OTHER AMENITIES.
In addition to the amenities mentioned above, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers several other amenities for guests, including a retail shopping center, a nature center, and a children’s camp. The resort also offers several programs and events, such as the Kiawah Island Marathon, a series of wellness retreats, and the Kiawah Island Art and House Tour.
STAFF AND SERVICE
The staff and service at Kiawah Island Golf Resort are exceptional, providing guests with a memorable and enjoyable experience. The staff are both friendly and professional, welcoming guests with warmth and readily assisting them with their needs. They are highly responsive and helpful, going above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. The excellent service leaves a lasting impression on guests, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the resort. From the check-in process to the concierge services, the staff’s hospitality and professionalism are top-notch, making for a truly memorable experience.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a world-class destination that provides guests with an exceptional experience. From the breathtaking golf courses and luxurious accommodations to the exceptional amenities and excellent service, the resort offers something for everyone.
PROS:
- Five championship golf courses.
- Challenging and memorable playing experience.
- The accommodations are elegant and luxurious, with high-end amenities and stunning views.
- The spa, fitness center, and outdoor activities, are top-notch and provide guests with endless entertainment options.
- The service is exceptional, with a friendly and professional staff that is highly responsive and helpful.
CONS.
- It is a high-end destination that may not be within everyone’s budget.
- Some guests may find the level of difficulty of the golf courses, especially the Ocean Course, to be challenging.
RECOMMENDATION.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is highly recommended for those looking for a world-class golf and resort experience. The resort’s exceptional amenities and service, combined with the stunning accommodations and golf courses, make for a truly memorable stay. Guests can enjoy the numerous activities and amenities available, from the spa and fitness center to the outdoor activities and exceptional dining options. The resort is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends, providing something for everyone.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an exceptional destination that provides guests with a truly memorable experience. The resort’s stunning accommodations, world-class golf courses, exceptional amenities, and excellent service make for a luxurious and enjoyable stay. Overall, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is highly recommended for those looking for a high-end golf and resort experience, with something for everyone to enjoy.
