Trip to Tee

Ocean Course & Oak Alleys: Charleston & Kiawah Golf

Four Lowcountry courses, including the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island.

Charleston pairs historic charm with excellent golf. The Ocean Course at Kiawah hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, Crooked Oaks at Seabrook Island Club is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design on Seabrook Island near Johns Island, and Dunes West and Shadowmoss are great-value local favorites.

The Lowcountry is wind, marsh, and live oaks. Kiawah's Ocean Course is a bucket-list round, and the rest of the trail keeps the cost manageable.

Crooked Oaks at Seabrook Island Club tee times can be booked three days in advance for island resort guests, so plan around lodging.

Region
Southeast
Courses
4
Total driving
48 miles
Duration
3 days
Estimated green fees
~$845
Difficulty
Championship

Courses in this guide

  1. Dunes West Golf Club — Charleston, South Carolina
  2. Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club — Charleston, South Carolina
  3. Kiawah Island (Ocean Course) — Charleston, South Carolina
  4. Crooked Oaks Course at Seabrook Island — Johns Island, South Carolina

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Dunes West and Shadowmoss

    Play Dunes West in Mount Pleasant in the morning and Shadowmoss in West Ashley in the afternoon.

  2. Day 2: Kiawah Ocean Course

    Take your best tee time at the Ocean Course, then dinner in downtown Charleston.

  3. Day 3: Crooked Oaks at Seabrook Island Club

    Play Crooked Oaks at Seabrook Island Club, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design on Seabrook Island near Johns Island, then spend the afternoon on the beach.

Where to stay

  • The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island: Luxury resort near the Ocean Course.
  • Wild Dunes Resort: Isle of Palms resort.
  • Charleston Harbor Resort: Mount Pleasant waterfront.
  • Embassy Suites Mt Pleasant: Value base.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport: Practical option.

Where to eat

  • The Boathouse at Breach Inlet: Seafood at the water.
  • Poe's Tavern: Isle of Palms burgers.
  • Page's Okra Grill: Southern breakfast in Mount Pleasant.
  • Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House: Kiawah area barbecue.
  • Swig & Swine BBQ: West Ashley.

Getting around

A car is essential. The four courses are within about 42 miles of each other; total driving is around 48 miles, but traffic crossing bridges can be slow.

Best time to visit

April, May, October and November are best. Summers are hot and humid, and winter is mild but cool.

Budget tips

  • Dunes West and Shadowmoss are far cheaper than the Ocean Course.
  • Twilight rates at Shadowmoss are good.
  • Book the Ocean Course for a weekday.
  • Stay in West Ashley or Mount Pleasant instead of Kiawah to cut lodging costs.

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