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Course Report
The River Course site was the location of the first English settlement on Kiawah Island in the 18th century, and the club has achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification for its environmental efforts.
About
The River Course at The Kiawah Island Club is a renowned private Tom Fazio design that stretches along the Kiawah River and Bass Pond. Opened in 1995 and renovated in 2006 with regrassed greens and fairways, it features eight holes on the water and others bordered by marsh and maritime forests, offering strategic and visual variety. It is member-only, known for its challenge and pristine conditioning.
Caddie Tip
The River Course features many holes exposed to coastal winds, so always factor breeze strength and direction into club selection. Avoid short-sided misses, especially on approach shots to greens bordering marshes and bunkers. Take extra care with reads on the rapid Bermuda putting surfaces, as grain and subtle slopes can deceive even experienced players.
The Main Challenge
The River Course’s greatest challenge lies in its constant interplay between land and water, with swirling winds and forced carries over marshes factoring on numerous holes. The finishing stretch demands both precision and nerve, as a single lapse can lead to costly dropped shots or lost balls in deep hazards. Approaches require boldness and touch.
The Good
Golfers especially praise the spectacular variety of holes that wind through native Lowcountry scenery, with multiple riverfront stretches and majestic live oaks. The routing keeps play interesting, offering dramatic risk-reward decisions, beautiful marsh vistas, and a sense of total immersion in nature with little outside distraction on the course.
The Not So Good
Members and guests periodically note that the river and marsh environment can result in softer conditions during wet spells, occasionally impacting playing firmness or requiring cart restrictions. Some also feel the course can be especially penal for higher-handicap players due to carries over marshland and demanding green complexes.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole is a par 4 that plays dramatically along the edge of the Kiawah River, requiring a well-placed tee shot to a narrowing fairway and a precise approach to a green that sits beside tidal marsh. Its setting amidst sweeping river views and challenging wind makes it a memorable finishing hole.
Clubhouse
The cedar-shingled clubhouse provides sweeping river views from dining rooms and verandas, a full-service golf shop, locker lounges, private event spaces, a fitness center, and top-tier dining and catering. Additional amenities include men’s and women’s locker areas and adjacent tennis courts.
Practice Facilities
Comprehensive practice grounds feature a grass-tee driving range, short game area with bunkers and pitching greens, and a large putting green. Private instruction and clinics for all levels are regularly available, making it easy for members to hone skills or warm up before play.
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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