Top 10 Golf Courses in Kiawah Island, SC – Best Public Golf in the Lowcountry
world class golf with some of the best public access courses in the country it’s a golfer’s dream come true but with so many legendary layouts packed into one island which ones truly stand out stick around because we’re counting down the top 10 public golf courses in Kiwa Island and trust me you’ll want to play them all hundred 10 Oakpoint Golf Course we kick things off with Oak Point the most approachable of Kiwa’s resort courses designed by Clyde Johnston Oak Point winds along Hallover Creek offering generous fairways and a player friendly layout it’s a great warm-up for your Kiwa adventure with plenty of scenic low vistas and a few riskreward holes to keep things interesting the course features strategically placed bunkers that challenge without overwhelming and water comes into play on several holes without feeling punitive the signature par 31 17th gives players a taste of Kiwa’s natural beauty with a te-ot over marshland to a wellprotected green number nine Cougar Point Golf Course eight Turtle Point Golf Course next up is Turtle Point a Jack Nicholas design that demands precision with narrow fairways small greens and three holes playing right along the Atlantic Ocean this course is all about shotmaking the closing stretch with ocean breezes and rolling dunes is as pure as coastal golf gets nicholas’s strategic layout forces players to think their way around rather than overpower the course the ocean holes 14- 16 create a mini amen corner of sorts where the combination of beauty and challenge reaches its peak the 16th green sits nestled in the dunes with the Atlantic Ocean just steps away a quintessential kiwa moment seven the Dunes West Golf Club dunes West Golf and the club also offers various membership options and hosts events ranging from weddings to corporate outings making it a hub of activity in the area six shipwatch Golf Course at six it’s Shipwatch a hidden gem for those looking for a relaxed round while not as famous as its siblings Shipwatch offers a fun shorter layout with forgiving fairways and quick greens it’s perfect for families beginners or anyone seeking a casual day on the links don’t mistake accessibility for simplicity though shipwatch features several challenging holes that require careful club selection and course management the Par 3s are particularly memorable with well-guarded greens that demand precision its proximity to the island’s shipping channels provides a unique backdrop as massive cargo vessels occasionally glide by in the distance the course’s layout maximizes the natural contours of the land with subtle elevation changes that affect club selection throughout your round the closing stretch brings water into play more prominently with the par416th requiring a precise t-shot between marshland and forest after your round the modest but welcoming clubhouse offers a selection of local beers perfect for toasting good shots and commiserating over the not so good ones number five Marsh Point Golf Course breaking into the top five Marsh Point is all about the views this course hugs the island’s marshlands with several holes playing right along the water it’s a shot makaker’s paradise and the everchanging tides mean no two rounds are ever the same the layout takes advantage of natural elevation changes rare for coastal courses and delivers a mix of riskreward opportunities that keep players engaged throughout the 15th hole plays directly into the prevailing wind off the M the ocean breezes kick up in the afternoon number four Ocean Winds Golf Course just a short drive from Kiwa Ocean Winds on neighboring Seabbrook Island is open to the public and offers a classic coastal experience designed by Willard Bird the course features ocean breezes rolling dunes and a fun strategic layout while technically not on Kiwa proper Ocean Winds earns its spot through accessibility and quality the course’s name tells you everything you need to know be prepared for wind that can change direction hole to hole the back nine particularly holes 13 through 16 plays through the coastal forest before emerging oceanside for a spectacular finish the course underwent a major renovation in 2020 that included installing new tiff eagle Bermuda greens and regrassing fairways with celebration Bermuda strategic bunkering frames many holes rewarding accuracy over distance the signature par 3 third third hole plays entirely over marshland to an island green a nerve-wracking shot even for experienced players after your round the oceanfront clubhouse provides the perfect setting to recount the day’s highlights number three Crooked Oaks Golf Course another Seabbrook standout crooked Oaks is a Robert Trent Jones senior design that winds through ancient live oaks and marshes with wide fairways and bold bunkering it’s a beautiful playable course that’s well worth the quick trip from Kaiwa jones’s trademark runway TE’s and strategic bunkering are on full display here challenging players to think their way around rather than mindlessly bomb drives the course’s namesake oak trees frame many holes creating natural corridors that demand accuracy the par 313th with its peninsula green surrounded by water creates a moment of tension in an otherwise player friendly layout crooked Oaks offers a different aesthetic than many coastal courses with more emphasis on parkland features and less on ocean views this creates a more intimate playing experience where concentration isn’t broken by crashing waves the closing three holes ramp up the difficulty with the 18th requiring both length and precision to reach the green in regulation watch for the resident alligator who often suns himself near the fifth green a reminder of the wild low country setting 2 Osprey Point Golf Course osprey Point deserves a second mention it’s that good the course’s championship pedigree stunning scenery and challenging holes make it a mustplay for any visitor the renovated layout and pristine conditions keep golfers coming back year after year the Pasparum fairways and greens provide a consistent playing surface rarely found outside tour venues wildlife is abundant here eagles ospreys and yes alligators make regular appearances the riskreward par 518th with water guarding the entire right side provides a fitting finale that can make or break your round what truly elevates Osprey Point is the exceptional maintenance standards the grounds crew maintains tour quality conditions year round with greens that roll true even during transition seasons the strategic layout rewards thoughtful golf over power hitting making it accessible to players of various skill levels while playing keep your eyes peeled for the island’s famous bobcats which occasionally make appearances along the more secluded holes number one the ocean course and at number one it could only be the ocean course pete Dyy’s masterpiece is a bucket list round for golfers worldwide with nearly every hole offering Atlantic views wins that can change the game in an instant and a pedigree that includes the Rder Cup and PGA Championship this is public golf at its absolute best the Ocean Course is consistently ranked among the top courses in the country and the world and after one round here you’ll understand why dy’s diabolical design challenges every aspect of your game from the forced carries off the tea to the undulating wellprotected greens the Par 31 17th playing over a dune to an oceanside green has become one of golf’s most photographed holes what sets the ocean course apart is its combination of beauty and beast breathtaking ocean views alongside championship caliber challenges the course can play up to 7,76 yards from the tournament TE’s but multiple tea options make it enjoyable for all skill levels and when the wind kicks up as it often does all bets are off the course transforms minuteby minute that wraps up our countdown of the top 10 public golf courses in Kawa Island South Carolina whether you’re chasing championship glory or just soaking in the low country scenery these courses deliver the experience did your favorite make the list let us know in the comments and tell us which Kiwa course you think is number one hit like subscribe and stay tuned for more golf destination guides see you on the island
Kiawah Island is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States—and the world. Known for its luxurious oceanfront layouts, stunning marshland views, and championship pedigree, it’s a bucket-list location for any golfer. In this video, I count down the top 10 public golf courses on Kiawah Island, including the world-famous Ocean Course and other incredible tracks you can play.
📌 Please note: Some footage in this video may not be of the actual courses mentioned but is included to enhance the viewing experience.
Courses Featured:
🏌️♂️ The Ocean Course (PGA Championship Host)
🏌️♂️ Turtle Point Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Osprey Point Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Cougar Point Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Oak Point Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Seabrook Island – Crooked Oaks Course (nearby, semi-private)
🏌️♂️ Seabrook Island – Ocean Winds Course
🏌️♂️ Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club (off-island option)
🏌️♂️ Charleston Municipal Golf Course (great value nearby)
🏌️♂️ The Links at Stono Ferry (historic, scenic course nearby)
Why You’ll Love These Courses:
✅ Ocean Views & Coastal Breezes
✅ Iconic Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, & Tom Fazio Designs
✅ Home of PGA Championships & Ryder Cup History
✅ World-Class Resort Golf Experience
✅ Unforgettable Lowcountry Atmosphere
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