ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Cassique is one of only a handful of courses in America designed by Tom Watson, and its name is derived from a title held by native tribal chiefs in the region’s early history.
About
Cassique is a private, Tom Watson-designed course on Kiawah Island featuring a Scottish links-inspired layout, wide undulating fairways, and large rolling greens. Opened in 2000, it weaves through maritime forest and marsh where the river meets the Atlantic. Known for its strategic bunkering, coastal winds, and strong challenge, it ranks among the nation’s top residential club courses.
Caddie Tip
The ever-present coastal wind is a pivotal factor at Cassique—keep your ball flight down when the breeze picks up, particularly on the more exposed front nine. Approach shots into the rolling greens require cautious club selection, and favor the center of the putting surface to avoid deep sod-walled bunkers.
The Main Challenge
The primary challenge at Cassique lies in managing tee shots amid strong, shifting coastal winds, strategic fairway bunkering, and navigating undulating greens. The mix of open, risk-reward holes and tree-lined doglegs demands a complete game and constant course management adjustment.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise Cassique’s unique blend of Scottish-links design and South Carolina lowcountry setting, highlighted by its strategic layout, ever-changing winds, and excellent course maintenance. The finishing stretch along the Kiawah River offers scenic, dramatic holes and memorable shot values.
The Not So Good
Some members wish for more forgiving roughs and find the penal bunkers to be especially difficult for higher-handicap players. Comments often mention that windy conditions can make scoring tough for newcomers, and that certain holes might benefit from additional forward tee options.
Signature Hole:
#
18
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Clubhouse
The clubhouse offers a 19th-century English aesthetic with full dining, locker rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, and gathering spaces. The Sports Pavilion nearby features modern fitness equipment, Har-Tru tennis courts, saltwater pool, and a boathouse with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Practice Facilities
Features a state-of-the-art Golf Learning Center with a digital range, short game area, and practice putting greens. On-staff teaching professionals, including LPGA award-winners, provide instruction programs and technology-driven swing analysis.
Dress Code:
Strict
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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