With this week’s PGA Championship hosted at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, fans are treated with the opportunity to watch the pros play where they play.
Many majors are contested at exclusive clubs around the country, but this year we get two (along with the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines) that are on courses open to the public. That means you — yes, you — can play on the same holes that are trekked by the likes of Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.
If you want to play at the Ocean Course though, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here’s our handy guide.
1. It’s relatively simple
Some popular public courses make booking a tee time a hassle, but that’s not the case at the Ocean Course. All you need to do is log on to their website and navigate to the tee times page. From there, you are a few clicks away from a date with one of the best public courses in the country.
2. It won’t be cheap
Sure, you can play the Ocean Course, but be ready to pull out your checkbook — the greens fee isn’t cheap. If you want to play the course during the summer, the rates can be as high as $463 for a round. There are some workarounds that make the sticker price come down a bit, but it will still cost significantly more than a round at your local muni. There’s an extra cost if you get a caddie or forecaddie, too. (By the way, it’s mostly walking only, although carts are allowed during the steamy months.)
3. There are package deals
If you’re headed to Kiawah for a golf trip, why not do it right? There are plenty of stay-and-play deals around the island that will knock that price down on the Ocean Course. Plus, you’re in close proximity to the course anyway, so there’s no way you’ll miss your tee time (we’d hope).
4. Bring extra golf balls
Just because everyone can play the Ocean Course doesn’t mean everyone should. The course boasts a slope rating of 155 — the highest a course can be assigned — and can give even the best players in the world fits. So, if you decide to head to Kiawah to tackle the Ocean Course, make sure you are stocked up with plenty of balls. Chances are you’ll need them!
