See What Makes The Ocean Course the Best of the Best

In case you haven’t heard, Forbes once named The Ocean Course as the 4th best golf course to play! Time and time again, The Ocean Course has received high praise from many outlets, along with those lucky enough to have been able to play here. At this course, panoramic vistas and unforgiving fairways come together to give players a chance to experience a true masterpiece. One of the many reasons why it has garnered so much attention.

Though somewhat of a newer course — in comparison to other top links-style courses — The Ocean Course has built an impressive resume as host to some of the biggest competitions in golf. These include two PGA Championships, the famous 1991 Ryder Cup Matches, and the 1997 Senior PGA Championship, just to name a few. 

Discover why this superb course is one you will definitely want to add to your bucket list, and why many publications, including Forbes, have taken notice. 

Meet The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course provides a once-in-a-lifetime game that pushes you to become a better player. Each of its 18 holes are known for being incredibly challenging, with very little room for error. Behind the course’s ingenious design is the notable Pete Dye, one of the world’s top golf course designers. He, along with the help of his wife, set out to create a course that not only captured the beauty of Kiawah Island, but also provided an unforgettable game. Thanks to the suggestion of Pete’s wife, Alice, each hole was elevated to allow the unpredictable winds of the Atlantic to add to the overall level of playing difficulty. In fact, The Ocean Course has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere — an impressive feat no doubt! 

The course’s technicality isn’t its only attractive feature, however. The magnificent views and natural beauty alone have granted it the title of one of the most scenic courses. Stretching along the white beaches of Kiawah Island, over half of the course’s holes face the Atlantic, while the other half borders marsh and several natural lagoons. The natural beauty doubles as a habit for native wildlife that calls the Island home. Many players who have spent time on the course can recall stories of alligators strolling along the fairways to get to one lagoon from the next. 

See how each of Kiawah Island’s seven golf courses rank by playing level. 

Tournaments at The Ocean Course

This year, The Ocean Course will host the 2021 PGA Championship in May. All eyes will be looking at golf’s top players of the moment, such as Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, who has won three tournaments, including the 2020 PGA Championship. 

Back in 2012, Rory McIlroy won the first Ocean Course-hosted PGA Championship, the second major win of his career. As you may remember, he still scored well, despite having lost his ball on the third hole after it became lodged inside of a tree branch. It was an iconic, yet bizarre, moment leading up to his well-deserved win. This tournament was a pivotal moment for the Course and Kiawah, garnering further international recognition than what was already there. 

The Ryder Cup Matches of ‘91 were known as “The War on the Shore”, in reference to the tense rivalry between the international teams and their respective fans. Up to that point, the U.S. hadn’t won a match since 1983, so American fans were eager for a title. In a nail-biter, the U.S. team defeated the Europeans on the last hole. 

Other various tournaments have been hosted here over the years, including the World Cup of Golf twice, the PGA Club Professional Championship, and Senior PGA Championship. 

Accolades and Recognition 

Forbes isn’t the only one with good things to say about The Ocean Course! Since its founding, the course has consistently ranked high for its amenities, facilities, and course features. 

Within the past year, Golf.com has named The Ocean Course as the 4th best course in the Southeast, the 8th best public golf course in the country, and the 58th best course on their yearly Top 100 List. Golfweek has recognized it as the best course in South Carolina. Whereas Golf Digest places it in the 4th spot of their top public courses list. 

However, the Island’s golf courses aren’t the only award-winning amenities residents get to enjoy. The Kiawah Island Club has been dubbed the Best Country Club for Recreation, Leisure, and Outdoor by The Post & Courier readers. Condé Nast Traveler voters named the Island as the fifth best in all of the U.S. In the past, Southern Living referred to Kiawah as a must-visit for a girl’s trip, while Town & Country called the Island the Hamptons of the South. 

Ocean Course Living

Front Nine Lane

Luxury homebuyers with a love for the game will be delighted to learn about Front Nine Lane, a collection of modern homes built along several of The Ocean Course’s fairways. Front Nine Lane is located within the illustrious Ocean Park community and its abundant amenities, like Marsh House, along with access to the Kiawah Island Club. 

The homes were built with sustainability in mind. Known as vertical living, each floor plan starts at just over 3,800 square feet, with four levels of indoor and outdoor living areas. This provides homeowners with incredible views from multiple vantage points, such as the 9th hole with the Atlantic in the distance.  

Marsh Walk

Marsh Walk residences are a reflection of the high-end lifestyle that Kiawah affords. Each property is built to blend with its natural surroundings while providing a stylish, yet casual, place to call home. 

Just over 3,000 square feet, these homes are ideal for families of any size. As you spend your days exploring the Island, you can look forward to spending the evening unwinding and looking out at the magical views from your home’s expansive windows. 

The Cottages at Marsh Walk

Built-for-sale homes make Island living a breeze. With a shorter build time and the option to customize various features, these homes are a wonderful option for many homeowners wanting the benefits of a custom build without the timeframe. 

The Cottages sit along a serene lagoon that provides views of the natural setting. Aside from its prime location in Ocean Park near The Ocean Course, The Cottages at Marsh Walk are a retreat in and of itself. 

Life at Ocean Park is extraordinary, and not many can say they have a world-class golf course just a stone’s throw from their home. Click the button below to view Ocean Park homes that are currently available and see why these modern residences, with an emphasis on health and wellness design, are some of the greatest homes on the Island.