Kiawah Island Golf Trip Planning Guide
Kiawah Island is the ultimate beach-and-golf combo. The Ocean Course, perennially ranked top-10 in the world and host of the 2021 PGA Championship, is the headliner, but four other resort courses offer variety for every handicap. Rent a massive beach house, play world-class golf by day, and listen to the waves at night.
5 courses · 5 restaurants · 3 bars · 4 activities
Quick Facts
Spring, Fall
CHS (45 min drive)
$100–$500
$800/night
1 of 5
~$620/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Kiawah Island. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
The Ocean Course — links, $350–$500 · 4.8★
Every hole has an ocean view. Host of the 1991 Ryder Cup War by the Shore and 2012/2021 PGA Championships. Bucket list.
The Atlantic Room — seafood, $$$$ · 4.6★
Ocean Course clubhouse restaurant. Fine dining with panoramic Atlantic views. The splurge dinner.
The Ryder Cup Bar — patio
Post-round beers overlooking the 18th of the Ocean Course and the Atlantic. Walkable from resort lodging.
Day 2
Turtle Point — coastal, $150–$275 · 4.6★
Jack Nicklaus design with three holes along the Atlantic. Recently renovated with stunning ocean views.
Kiawah Island Nature Tour — 2-3 hours, $30–$50/pp
Guided nature tour through maritime forest and beach with Kiawah Conservancy naturalists — alligators, dolphins, and shorebirds. The perfect arrival day group activity.
Tomasso — italian, $ · 4.5★
Upscale Italian at the Sanctuary Hotel. Handmade pastas, great wine list.
The Loggerhead Bar — cocktail · Open late
Sanctuary Hotel lobby bar. Craft cocktails in a sophisticated beach resort setting. Walkable from Sanctuary and beach houses.
Day 3
Osprey Point — parkland, $150–$275 · 4.5★
Tom Fazio design winding through lakes, oaks, and marshland. Most forgiving of the five courses.
Kiawah Island Kayak & Paddleboard — 2-3 hours, $50–$85/pp
Guided kayak tours through salt marshes. Dolphins, birds, and stunning lowcountry scenery.
The Ryder Cup Bar — casual, $$ · 4.3★
Ocean Course 19th hole. Burgers, sandwiches, and cold beer after your round with ocean views.
The Sandcastle Lounge — sports bar · Open late
Casual resort bar at West Beach Village with TVs, live music nights, and late-night drinks. The group hangout spot.
Course-by-Course Guide
Kiawah Island has 5 courses worth playing, including 1 bucket-list tier layout. 1 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
The Ocean Course
Bucket ListEvery hole has an ocean view. Host of the 1991 Ryder Cup War by the Shore and 2012/2021 PGA Championships. Bucket list.
Osprey Point
PremiumTom Fazio design winding through lakes, oaks, and marshland. Most forgiving of the five courses.
Turtle Point
PremiumJack Nicklaus design with three holes along the Atlantic. Recently renovated with stunning ocean views.
Cougar Point
SolidGary Player redesign hugging the Kiawah River. Beautiful marsh views and excellent conditioning.
Oak Point
SolidClyde Johnston design just off-island. Great value play with Kiawah-caliber conditioning at lower rates.
Where to Stay
Kiawah Island has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $800/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$1200–$4000/night
Sleeps 12–20 · Kiawah Island beachfront and golf-course communities
$800–$2500/night
Sleeps 10–16 · Seabrook Island (adjacent island, 5 min from Kiawah)
Group Dining Guide
5 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
The Atlantic Room
$$$$Ocean Course clubhouse restaurant. Fine dining with panoramic Atlantic views. The splurge dinner.
Tomasso
$Upscale Italian at the Sanctuary Hotel. Handmade pastas, great wine list.
The Ryder Cup Bar
$$Ocean Course 19th hole. Burgers, sandwiches, and cold beer after your round with ocean views.
Husk
$$Sean Brock's farm-to-table Southern icon in downtown Charleston. Worth the 45-minute drive for one big dinner.
Jasmine Porch
$$$$Sanctuary Hotel's fine dining — prime cuts, local seafood, and lowcountry sides with ocean views. The TDF steakhouse dinner.
Nightlife
3 bars curated for groups. 2 stay open past midnight.
The Ryder Cup Bar
Post-round beers overlooking the 18th of the Ocean Course and the Atlantic. Walkable from resort lodging.
The Loggerhead Bar
Late NightSanctuary Hotel lobby bar. Craft cocktails in a sophisticated beach resort setting. Walkable from Sanctuary and beach houses.
The Sandcastle Lounge
Late NightCasual resort bar at West Beach Village with TVs, live music nights, and late-night drinks. The group hangout spot.
Activities Beyond Golf
4 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Kiawah Island Nature Tour
Guided nature tour through maritime forest and beach with Kiawah Conservancy naturalists — alligators, dolphins, and shorebirds. The perfect arrival day group activity.
Kiawah Island Kayak & Paddleboard
Guided kayak tours through salt marshes. Dolphins, birds, and stunning lowcountry scenery.
Bohicket Marina Fishing Charter
Inshore and offshore charters out of Bohicket Marina. Redfish, flounder, and shark.
Kiawah Beach Bike Tour
30+ miles of paved bike trails across the island. Rent bikes and explore at your own pace.
Getting There
Fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS) — it's a 45-minute drive to Kiawah Island. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include Charleston Black Cab and Charleston Style Limo). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.