Ocean Room at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island RELATED LINKS Back to Great Golf, Hot Deals

Kiawah Island is not known as a budget travel destination, but for cost-conscious golfers who are determined to experience the island's renowned courses, there are ways to keep spending to a minimum. Rates for resort accommodations vary seasonally and by type, with the best deals typically available from November through March and during the muggy summer months. Green fees do not rise on weekends, so there's no advantage to choosing weekday tee times.

The least expensive one-bedroom villas begin at around $100 a night during the winter low season, with golf packages starting at $169 per person, per night. The cost per person might actually be lower if four or more guests share a larger unit, so be sure to compare the various options, and always ask about golf packages and any special offers that might be available. You can keep your food budget under control by making your own meals, and if you don't mind picking up after yourself, you can also save by skipping the optional daily cleaning service.

Depending on how much time you plan to spend on the fairways, it could also make sense to seek budget accommodations off-island and drive to the resort for golf. The Charleston area offers a range of low-cost motels and inns, and plenty of affordable casual restaurants. Before pursuing this option, however, it's wise to do a little math, as the higher green fees charged to golfers who are not guests of the resort will chip away at the money you save on your lodging.

Finally, if you've blown your golfing budget on the championship courses and still feel the urge to knock a few balls around, head for the Charleston Municipal Golf Course, a pleasant par-72 course that's cheap, walker-friendly and fun to play.