The Ultimate PGA Spectator Guide

The 2021 PGA Championship is one of the most prestigious events to grace the shores of Kiawah Island. One of the four Majors in golf, this worldwide event draws thousands of spectators hoping to see their favorite players win it all. 

Although this year’s PGA Championship at The Ocean Course may look a little different due to the current world events, the PGA Association and the Island of Kiawah have done a wonderful job in anticipating the needs and concerns of PGA Spectators during this time.

Those planning to see this year’s tournament on Kiawah Island are in for an absolute treat. Be sure to read our PGA Spectator Guide for all of the event details you need to know about the upcoming weekend. 

How the PGA is Keeping Spectators Safe – The PGA Spectator Guide

The 2021 PGA Championship will look a little different than the previous PGA Championship event held here in 2012. The whirlwind of events and changes that have occurred in the last year will greatly affect spectators, and as part of our PGA Spectator Guide, we recommend reading up on the changes that have been implemented so that you may have a fun, yet safe, weekend here on Kiawah Island. 

1. Pre-Event Screenings

On-site access to The Ocean Course and any PGA-operated shuttles will require a health-screening to ensure spectators are not actively infected. A series of short questions will give staff insight into your current state of health. If you are showing any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, you will be asked to stay home. 

2. Social Distancing and Face Coverings

Social distancing will be mandatory at the 2021 PGA Championship to protect all individuals — staff, spectators, and players included. You must maintain a distance of at least six feet from any individuals not in your immediate party. This includes other spectators and PGA personnel. Throughout the venue, keep an eye out for signs explaining area guidelines, directing traffic flow, and capacity limitations. 

All spectators must wear face coverings at all times, even those who have received their full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Masks should cover both the nose and mouth, and be made of at least two layers of breathable material. In addition, masks can be taken off when eating and drinking, however, spectators must stay in place and keep a distance of at least 15 feet from the rope line while continuing social distancing.

3. Player Interactions

To keep spectators and PGA players protected, all interactions are discouraged at this year’s event. The following interactions will not be permitted between players and spectators; handshakes, high-fives, fist bumping, or autographs. Please respect the personal space of the players and continue to cheer them on from a safe distance.

4. Contactless Experiences

To further promote social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19, all experiences on-site will be contactless. For example, cash and personal checks will not be accepted as a payment method, all spectator tickets will be administered digitally, and all shuttles will be loaded from the rear seats forward. 

See the many ways Kiawah Island is keeping visitors safe during this time.

Schedule of Events – The PGA Spectator Guide

PRACTICE ROUNDS

Practice rounds will be displayed course-wide on the video boards throughout the eventing grounds. Players may or may not choose to play a practice round during the following times. 

Monday thru Wednesday 

7:00 AM – 7:30 PM

*On Wednesday, May 19th, the 1st tee will close at 3:00 PM.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS

Championship round starting times are considered approximate, and are based on the assumption that there will be no delays from weather and so on. 

Thursday and Friday

Starting on Holes 1 & 10 

7:00 AM – 2:45 PM

*First & second round pairings and starting times will be announced by Tuesday, May 18.

Saturday and Sunday

Starting on Hole 1

7:45 AM – 2:45 PM

WANAMAKER TROPHY PRESENTATION

The Wanamaker Trophy Presentation Ceremony will take place on the 18th green immediately following the finished game on Sunday. 

Traffic and Parking Information – The PGA Spectator Guide

Please keep in mind there will be no parking on Kiawah Island during the entirety of Championship Week. Below is an overview of traffic and parking information for the 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course.

Complimentary Parking for Kiawah Visitors

Follow PGA traffic signs outside of the entrances to Freshfields Village to find complimentary public parking. A shuttle service will pick up and drop off spectators at the Main Spectator Entrance at The Ocean Course. 

On-Island Parking for Kiawah Property Owners

Across the Island you will find four shuttle services near West Beach Village, East Beach Village, the Vanderhorst Gate House, Surfsong Road, Osprey Point Golf Course, and Cougar Point Golf Course. These shuttle services are available to Kiawah Island property owners and their guests. Island residents preferring to walk or bike to the golf course can use the bike rack and walk-in gate located at the intersection of Pete Dye Place and Ocean Course Drive. 

On-Site Experiences – The PGA Spectator Guide

The PGA Shops

Behind the Practice Range will be the PGA Shops merchandise venue where you can shop some of the largest golf brands. These include Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Cutter & Buck, Under Armour, FootJoy, Peter Millar, Vineyard Vines, 47 Brand, and New Era, among many others. Here, you can shop clothing, headwear, accessories, gifts, and memorabilia to commemorate your time as a spectator at the 2021 PGA Championship.

Charles Schwab PGA Swing Analysis

Get a customized online lesson from a PGA Professional at the PGA Swing Analysis presented by Charles Schwab. You will get to see a side-by-side comparison of your golf swing against that of a PGA Player’s to help you improve your golf game. 

Living on Kiawah: All Kiawah Island Club Members have year-round access to the Golf Learning Center and its Science and Motion PuttLab located at the Cassique Golf Course. Discover the many ways Island residents are able to spend their days playing on some of the country’s top-rated golf courses.

Cadillac PGA Coaching Live

Spectators will get to enjoy live streams of PGA winner Colin Morikawa’s insights to playing at The Ocean Course. This exclusive content will also highlight the new 2022 CT5-V Blackwing, Cadillac’s newest vehicle you can experience in-person at the Practice Range. 

Replica Wanamaker Trophy

See for yourself what it feels like to hoist the iconic Wanamaker Trophy in the air after a glorious win on The Ocean Course! Take a photo with the famed replica of the Wanamaker Trophy to remember your time here and celebrate it as your own personal win. 

The Fun Never Ends at The Ocean Course

While here, spectators will get a taste of the beauty and luxury that Kiawah Island residents get to experience each day. From premier golf courses to top-notch dining surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, it’s no wonder many luxury homeowners are deciding to call Kiawah Island their home. 

With seven pristine golf courses on the Island alone, lovers of the sport are able to indulge in playing at some of the best venues you can find. Some even live just a stone’s throw from their favorite course, like The Ocean Course. Discover what the good life looks like on Kiawah and take a peek at the beautiful homes located on The Ocean Course as part of the Ocean Park community, mere steps from the course. Click the button below to view Ocean Park listings.