The Ocean Course at Kiawah:
Abbreviated History of a Masterpiece
by Tina Schell
Between 14 and 15 Ocean Course Drive there is
a small path that crosses a wooden bridge and meanders
through the world-famous Ocean Course to the beach.
Anyone who has ever walked it in the early morning or
late afternoon knows what a magical place it is. Birds of
every variety populate the lagoon; huge oak trees reflect
in its waters; and the sun pours soft light across the rich
green fairways and bright white sand. On my many walks
there I’ve seen alligators, bobcats, deer and even an otter
take refuge in the stillness of the lagoon, making it a bit of
a microcosm of Kiawah’s rich ecosystem. But wait...this
is a GOLF course we’re talking about, right?
Much has been written and reported about our
beautiful Ocean Course. Among other things it’s been
called a masterpiece, a monster, a crown jewel, sadistic,
inspirational, and the toughest course in America. (It
currently holds the highest combination course/slope
35
rating in the United States.) It has been widely covered
and continually awarded in periodicals such as Golf
Digest, Golf Magazine, Links Magazine, Golf Week, Golf
Course Architecture Magazine and even the venerable
New York Times. It has been featured on all of the major
TV networks and in the movies (The Legend of Bagger
Vance) as well as in a geographically accurate video game
developed by World Golf Tour. Finally, it has hosted a
multitude of professional tournaments, including those
listed below:
• 1991 Ryder Cup
• 1997 and 2003 World Cup
• 2001 Warburg Cup
• 2007 Senior PGA
• 2012 PGA
Photograph courtesy of Tina Schell