A wave of new, gorgeous amenities announced by Kiawah Island Golf Resort promises to transform Kiawah’s West Beach area for residents and visitors—and the Island’s real estate market, too.

The Resort has already broken ground on the first phase of its two-year transformation and will complete construction of all the beautifully designed amenities by the end of 2020, in time for the highly anticipated 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course.

These next-generation amenities, which will add to Kiawah’s already exquisite offerings, will include:

 West Beach Conference Center

Located only a short stroll from the new hotel will lie the new West Beach Conference Center, also designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects. The Resort plans a grand opening for the center in the autumn of next year.

Cougar Point Clubhouse

Now that its course renovation has been completed, the Gary Player-designed Cougar Point Golf Course will gain a stunning new clubhouse, beautifully sited on a terrace offering sweeping views of the 18th hole to one side and the new beachfront inn—through an allée of live oaks—to the other. Also designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects, it will feature a grand lobby, pro shop, sports tavern, locker rooms, and more. Its grand opening is planned for next spring. ** Find out more (https://kiawahresort.com/2-0/)

The Sanctuary Chapel

Already a dream locale for destination weddings, The Sanctuary will enhance its offerings with a stately new chapel seating up to 150 guests. The chapel will also offer weekly nondenominational services for all hotel guests. The Resort plans to open the chapel’s doors next summer.

Other West Beach expansions & renovations

The Resort also plans to renovate Kiawah’s popular Night Heron Park, breaking ground this autumn and reopening in the winter of 2020, and expand the Roy Barth Tennis Center, breaking ground this spring and finishing next autumn.

How might this impact you?

Not only will Kiawah residents and guests benefit from these beautifully designed additions and enhancements, the Charleston area is expected to enjoy economic benefits on top of what Kiawah already contributes to Charleston County. The Resort estimates the new amenities will increase Kiawah’s economic impact to about $300 million per year, up from $202 million.

The Island’s real estate market is expected to gain as well.

Kiawah vacationers often purchase homes or homesites on the Island. If you’ve been thinking of buying your own piece of Island paradise, you’ll be glad to know we anticipate heightened interest in the Island’s real estate—and rising property values—as each new amenity opens and the 2021 PGA Championship approaches. (The Resort estimates the 2012 PGA Championship had a $190 million impact on the Charleston-area economy.)

“We’ve enjoyed a historical bump in real estate activity around each major golf tournament held on Kiawah,” says Chris Drury, ** Kiawah Island Real Estate (https://www.kiawahisland.com)
president and broker in charge. “We have no doubt we will see the same results from the 2021 PGA Championship.”

That means the best time to buy is soon, before prices begin their ascent.

“We’re incredibly excited for the future,” he adds. “We hope you’ll join us as these transformations unfold and Kiawah rises to an even higher level.”