location_onKiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course logo: A copper-orange spreading live oak with exposed roots and long low branches, above the black script wordmark Kiawah Island with GOLF RESORT in spaced capitals beneath.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course

Logo: A copper-orange spreading live oak with exposed roots and long low branches, above the black script wordmark Kiawah Island with GOLF RESORT in spaced capitals beneath.

Golf Course · 18 Holes30Golf DigestTop 100

Course at a glance

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is an 18-hole golf course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina (29455). The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1981. From the Championship tees, Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course plays to 7,820 yards at par 72. The course offers 11 sets of tees ranging from 5,327 to 7,820 yards, giving players of every ability a comfortable length. It carries a slope rating of 155 and a course rating of 79.1, well above the 113 World Handicap System baseline and among the harder courses for mid-handicap golfers. It is tied for the highest slope rating of any rated golf course in South Carolina. It is a resort course, typically accessible to lodging guests and outside players via the resort. Walking is permitted. A full driving range is available for warm-up and practice. The course is conditioned with tifeagle greens and bermuda grass fairways. Hazards include 41-50 bunkers and water hazards in play. Set a tee-time alert on Stymie and we will notify you when bookable times open at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course.

About Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is a 18-hole golf course located in Kiawah Island, South Carolina (29455). The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and established in 1981. From the Championship tees, the course plays to 7,820 yards with a par of 72. The Championship tees carry a slope rating of 155 and a course rating of 79.1.

Walking is permitted.

With a maximum slope rating of 155, Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course sits at the top of the difficulty range in South Carolina. No rated course in the state carries a higher slope. Golfers should bring their best game and consider playing from a forward tee set for a more enjoyable round.

The course offers 11 tee sets ranging from 5,327 to 7,820 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.

Par

72

Length

7,820

Slope

155

Rating

79.1

Replay Rate

Would you play here again?

One tap. Stymie totals these into a Replay Rate for Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course.

Course Difficulty Analysis

trending_upVery HardMax slope 155
Tied for highest slope rating in South Carolina
EasiestHardest
Tied for highest slope rating nationally

155

This Course

137

SC Average

113

US Average

Yardage Range5,3277,820 yds

Based on 184 rated courses in South Carolina

Scorecard

HoleSlpCR123456789Out101112131415161718InTot
Championship
15579.1395557390479214480579197499379044759348649723844460322150140307,820
Tournament
15376.8395543390453207455527197464363143956246640419442157922143937257,356
Ocean
14873.9375528367432185377505170415335437852142037117139155519742134256,779
DyeWomen's
14378.6365501319401177345493166406317336050641236416138154018239633026,475
DyeMen's
13972.4365501319401177345493166406317336050641236416138154016039632806,453
KiawahWomen's
14077.0357495310396171331484151399309434747639833315135849116838631086,202
KiawahMen's
13471.1357495310396171331484151399309434747639833315135849116838631086,202
GovernorsWomen's
13675.1357419310328171331484151344289534747632633315135849116831429645,859
GovernorsMen's
13269.1357419310328171331484151344289534747632633315135849116831429645,859
CarolinaWomen's
13072.2306419268328117299432105344261831044032631213230644712231427095,327
CarolinaMen's
12566.4306419268328117299432105344261831044032631213230644712231427095,327
Par454434534364544345343672
HCP153911113717516810214184126

Which Tees Should I Play?

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course offers 11 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round. Not sure? Use the tee recommendation calculator with your driver distance.

TeeYardsSlopeRatingHcp
Championship
7,82015579.10-5
Tournament
7,35615376.80-5
Ocean
6,77914873.90-5
Dye
6,47514378.65-15
Dye
6,45313972.45-15
Kiawah
6,20214077.05-15
Kiawah
6,20213471.15-15
Governors
5,85913675.112-22
Governors
5,85913269.112-22
Carolina
5,32713072.220-30
Carolina
5,32712566.420-30

Amenities at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course features a full driving range, a pro shop. The driving range is available for warmup or practice.

Find other driving ranges near Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course

How to Book a Tee Time

Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory for Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course. Use the official course website or phone number below to confirm availability and book. You can also book directly through the facility website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course a public or private golf course?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is a resort golf course located in Kiawah Island, SC.

How many holes does Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course have?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1981. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

What is the yardage at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

From the Tournament tees, Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course plays to 7,356 yards (par 72). The course offers 11 tee sets ranging from 5,327 to 7,820 yards.

What is the slope rating at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

The Championship tees at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course have a slope rating of 155 and a course rating of 79.1. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is significantly above average difficulty.

Can you walk Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

Yes, walking is allowed at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course. Golf carts are also available.

How do I book a tee time at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

Visit the official course website at https://kiawahresort.com/golf/the-ocean-course/ or call +1-843-266-4670 to confirm current availability and book. Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory; alerts are in development.

What amenities does Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course offer?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course offers a driving range, a pro shop.

Where is Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course located?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is located at 12 Kiawah Beach Dr in Kiawah Island, SC 29455. You can reach them at +1-843-266-4670.

What is the difficulty level at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course is classified as very high difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 155. It is tied for the highest slope rating of any rated golf course in South Carolina. The average slope rating in South Carolina is 137. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.

Which tees should I play at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course offers 11 tee sets. Championship tees (7,820 yards, slope 155) are recommended for scratch and low-handicap golfers. Carolina tees (5,327 yards, slope 125) are recommended for higher-handicap golfers and seniors. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.

What is the best tee for beginners at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

Beginners at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course should play the Carolina tees, which play 5,327 yards with a slope of 125. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.

What would a 15-handicap shoot at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

A 15-handicap golfer playing the Kiawah tees (slope 140, rating 77.0) at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course would have a course handicap of 24 and an expected score of approximately 96. This uses the World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Sign in on Stymie with your handicap to see a personalized prediction for every tee.

How long does a round take at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course?expand_more

A typical round at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - The Ocean Course takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.