Conquering Kiawah
By Chad Maulsby
Pete Dye. His name forever rings in your head after you play one of his courses, and he designed Kiawah's Ocean Course as he always designs his courses — excruciatingly challenging. This course is known as one of the longest in the world, but that's just part of its treachery. On a calm day, wind gusts can reach 20 miles per hour. Lucky for me, when I played winds reached 45 miles per hour!
The front nine is beautiful, but nothing compares to the back nine with its stunning ocean views. My favorite hole is the par 3 14th. The green and tee box are directly on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, and the strong wind was directly at my back when I played. I had the most fun on this hole because I busted a 170-yard 9-iron, thanks in part to Mother Nature, of course.
Kiawah is a high-end resort where a round of golf can get costly, and even the pro shop charges around $100 for logo shirts and windbreakers. A fun but less-pricey golf experience can be had at the old-fashioned Charleston Municipal Golf Course, only a 20-minute drive from the Kiawah Island. The fee to play the course is $15. I golfed there with a 78-year-old man known locally as "the Roadrunner." He plays speed golf, meaning he completes his round in under two hours! He mainly does it for exercise, but he also likes to play quickly so he can get home to his wife of 50-plus years.
19th-Hole Tips
- Tour the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Walk three decks of the USS YORKTOWN aircraft carrier. For more information, visit their website at www.patriotspoint.org.
- Eat seafood at 82 Queen
A very romantic restaurant with a beautiful garden courtyard for dining. Call 843-723-7591 for more information.
- Rent bikes to ride on the beach
Kiawah Island is 10 miles long with a very firm and compact beach, making it perfect for scenic bike rides.
- Tour the Calhoun Mansion
Walk through this spectacular 24,000-square-foot home built in 1876.
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