Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course
Kiawah Island, SC • Public
Carlos Amoedo
Carlos Amoedo
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Behind the third green at the Ocean Course.
Uzzell Lambert
Photo by Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Overview
Often considered to be the first course designed for a specific event—the 1991 Ryder Cup—this manufactured linksland-meets-lagoons layout might well be Pete Dye’s most diabolical creation. Every hole is edged by sawgrass, every green has tricky slopes, every bunker merges into bordering sand dunes. Strung along nearly three miles of ocean coast, Dye took his wife’s advice and perched fairways and greens so golfers can actually view the Atlantic surf. That also exposes shots and putts to ever-present and sometimes fierce coastal winds. The Ocean Course will forever be linked with Phil Mickelson and his improbable victory at the 2021 PGA Championship.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1997.
2023-'24 ranking (and previous): 24th.
Highest ranking: 20th, 2015-'16.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 3rd.
Previous ranking: 4th.
Highest ranking: 3rd, 2015-'18 and current.
Best in State: Ranked first since 2011.
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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
“Challenging Pete Dye design that tests the players length, short game, & ability to flight irons to green complexes. Great character with the bunkering, green complexes, and the routing in general. This was undoubtedly a difficult site to route a big 18 hole course and Pete Dye may have been the perfect architect for the job with his experience at the time."
Read More2024
Review
“Very challenging Pete Dye design with no prevailing wind. Deceptive landing areas amongst great aesthetics. The caddie program was a plus. It would be very interesting to see the course play in a different wind..."
Read More2024
Review
“The Ocean Course is one of Pete Dye's best in his great portfolio. It has a lot of his early design philosophy mixed with his ability to build a course to tournament standards. Any golf lover should experience the Ocean Course once and hope the wind cooperates throughout your round."
Read More2024
Review
“All the elements of a great golf course are present here. An iconic Pete Dye masterpiece."
Read More2024
Review
“If you can afford it, it is a masterpiece from Dye"
Read More2024
Review
“The Ocean Course is one that each golfer should play if given the chance. Its championship design, oceanside course and clubhouse, and its history can be enjoyed by all."
Read More2023
Review
“Play the first hole well, it will be the only breather you get. Each hole is different and challenging. Throw in the ever present wind, tricky greens, strategic bunkers, and views of the ocean and the player will feel like they got their moneys worth."
Read More2023
Review
“To be able to play a "championship" caliber course that the professionals can play is amazing. This course is challenging and yet very picturesque and enjoyable at the same time. I certainly recommend to any that can get to spend some time down here, including staying at the Sanctuary Resort."
Read More2023
Review
“The back 9 is hard, fair but hard. There are very few breathers after the front 9. When you make the turn hold on."
Read More2022
Review
“A wonderful test of golf in a spectacular setting to be sure. But for $600+ just to get you on the course, there are far too many other courses to put it behind on your bucket list."
Read More2022
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