Kiawah Island Golf Resort sanctuary.
Courtesy picture
The best golfers in the world will be under a lot of stress this week at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. But otherwise, the place is built for rest and recreation. Here are seven things to know if you’re considering staying on your own island and playing at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, one of the top 100 GOLF resorts.
1. There are 4 other courses at the resort
The Ocean Course is the brightest star in a sparkling five-course constellation of Osprey Point (Tom Fazio), Oak Point (Clyde Johnston), Turtle Point (Jack Nicklaus) and Cougar Point (Gary Player). (Read more about these four courses here.)
2. Water activities abound
All that water is not good for swallowing golf balls. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities around the island’s peaceful waterways. Surf lessons are available. You can also reserve a spot on the resort’s eco-tour boat for a guided excursion in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, which inhabit the island’s creeks, creeks, and marshes.
3. It’s family friendly
Archery beacon, slides, bike rental and more. The Ocean Course might be a challenge for the big boys, but the resort has plenty to offer all your offspring.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Oceanfront Sanctuary Lobby Bar.
Courtesy picture
4. He has Ryder Cup roots
Pete Dye built the Ocean Course with the Ryder Cup in mind, and the property was selected to host the biannual event long before the development was complete. Good choice, because the 1991 contest, also known as “The Shoreline War”, almost instantly turned into a tradition.
5. It’s eco-responsible
Kiawah is a barrier island, with a fiercely protected ecosystem. Among the environmental safeguards is the requirement that all buildings be kept behind the second line of dunes inland from the water. The island also has no red lights, so hatchling sea turtles aren’t lured in the wrong direction by artificial light. The resort’s routes are also very green. All five are certified Audubon sanctuaries.
6. You will be in famous company
Celebrities are just like us! They just have nicer houses. Richard Gere, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon and Bruce Willis are among People magazine people who own or have owned places on the island, where the median house price is just under $1 million and many houses cost much more.
7. Birdies and Bird Watchers
Kiawah Island is home to a rich array of bird life. The resort offers a Birding for Beginners walking tour. But the island also has plenty of hiking trails, so feel free to BYOB (as in binoculars) and go sightseeing on your own.
