Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Turtle Point
Kiawah Island, SC • Public
Patrick O'Brien
Overview
In 2016, Jack Nicklaus led the renovation of Turtle Point, regrassing the course with Paspalum, reconstructing all of the bunkers, and improving the irrigation efficiency. This Kiawah Island resort course now features increased shot variety and requires strategic play with several hidden water hazards.
About
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Shot options from the tee boxes were present, as well as a number of different approach angles based on water and bunker protections.The shot options off of the tees typically were more lay-up vs driver decisions, as opposed to different lines (vs approach where greens had pins tucked in behind bunkers and water). The approachability of the greens from chipping distance made the course less challenging than it could have been, given fairly simple scramble/save possibilities even after an unforced error. The holes by the water, however, up the challenge factor as prevailing winds carry the day and impact even the strongest golfer's shots. The holes varied in distance across all three pars. That said, three of the par 3s were about 175 (with the other up at 205), but within that category tee and pin locations could make that vary (additionally 14 and 16 ran opposite directions on the beach so wind would make them play totally differently). Par 5s varied from reachable to true layups and 4s from nearly drivable to 450 . Not too many doglegs or elevation changes, but bunker placement and water incorporated nicely into many holes. The stretch of holes from 14-16 really elevate this score as the three holes are as close to the beach as you'll ever get. The way the course opens into that area is sublime. That said, other holes also are also very well crafted (7, 9, 11, among others). The course is walkable and ties together woodlands golf with beach golf in a way that feels smooth and not jarring and brings it back to wooded golf at the end."
Read More2022
Review
“In my opinion surprised on the lack of conditioning around the greens. Still a fun day out there, but I would recommend Ocean, Cougar and Osprey, then Turtle, then Oak for your Kiawah trip."
Read More2021
Review
“Like playing golf in a hallway. Too tight and claustrophobic. Lot's of better options on the island."
Read More2021
Review
“Nothing special. Housing development golf, save for a couple ocean holes with condos about six-inches from the fairway."
Read More2018
Review
“Turtle Point is Fantastic. It isn't as difficult as The Ocean Course, but still has a few holes along the ocean so you can enjoy the true beauty of the area. All of the courses in Kiawah are expertly maintained and expensive but worth every penny. If it's windy, throw the game plan out the window and just try and keep it in play. A great option for a warm before tackling The Ocean Course."
Read More2018
Readers
Collection of reviews from our readers
%20-%20Jon%20Cavalier.jpeg.rend.hgtvcom.406.271.suffix/1573163057785.jpeg)
There are no readers reviews yet. Be the first to write a review.