Orca Golf · US Southeast
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
Facts checked as of Oct 25, 2026 (PT)
Official siteWhy it's here
The Ocean Course is No. 5 on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses 2025-26 and hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, with the 2031 PGA Championship next.
The courses
The Ocean Course
No. 5, Golf Digest America's 100 Greatest Public Courses 2025-26
Walking only, except June–August after 10 a.m., when carts are allowed with a forecaddie.
Majors & big events
1991 Ryder Cup; PGA Championship 2012 and 2021; PGA Championship 2031 scheduled.
Who can play
Open to the public. Resort guests can book at any time for the length of their stay; non-guests no sooner than 60 days ahead.
Green fees
| Course / fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ocean Course green fee | Unknown (not published; quoted at booking) |
| Rental clubs | $85 |
Stay-and-play
No stay required. Resort guests get preferred tee times beyond 60 days plus savings on rounds. 48-hour cancellation.
What's included
Unknown
What a typical stay includes isn't published.
Caddies & tipping
Caddies are resort employees, so there's no caddie fee. Recommended tip: $120 per player for a walking caddie, $60 per player for a forecaddie.
Dress code
No denim, no shorts more than 5 inches above the knee, no swimsuits or athletic shorts, no sleeveless or collarless shirts.
When to go
Most popular in spring and fall. Summer is late May to late September, with average highs of 83–88°F. Winters are mild: 60–65°F from early December to early March.
Getting there
Charleston (CHS) about 1 hr, plus about 20 min more to the Ocean Course.
Golf day cost
Unknown
Green fee not published. The walking caddie tip adds $120 per player.
"Golf day cost" is computed only from published fees for one round for one golfer (green fee, plus caddie and recommended tip where published). It leaves out lodging, taxes, food and transfers. Where a figure isn't published, we show Unknown rather than estimate.
Insider notes
There's no caddie fee, but the recommended tip is $120 per player. Budget for it.
Public tee times open only 60 days out; resort guests can book further ahead.
The shorts rule is specific: no more than 5 inches above the knee.
Facts were checked against official resort, club and city websites, the Golf Digest rankings and the R&A Rules of Golf on Oct 25, 2026 (PT). Prices change; confirm on the official site before booking. No sponsorships or affiliate links.