KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT
🇺🇸 Kiawah Island, SC, USA
Designed by Jack Nicklaus
Turtle Point, crafted by Jack Nicklaus along Kiawah Island's windswept coast, bears the distinction of being the course where Bernard Langer secured the inaugural U.S. Senior Open in 1983 – a testament to its demanding layout and the championship pedigree it instills.
Built in the early Nicklaus era, Turtle Point plays as a stern test defined by subtle undulations and strategic bunkering, far removed from the sprawling, links-style drama further down the island. The relatively narrow fairways, framed by dense South Carolina maritime forest, demand accuracy off the tee, while the ever-present coastal breezes complicate approach shots to the relatively small, subtly contoured greens.
While not necessarily among the most widely celebrated courses on Kiawah, Turtle Point maintains a devoted following among resort guests and local members drawn to its classic design and the intellectual challenge it presents. Post-round, players often gather on the clubhouse veranda, overlooking the Atlantic, to recount the day's triumphs and tribulations over a plate of shrimp and grits – a Lowcountry staple savored all the more after navigating the Golden Bear's cunning design.
Reviews
Turtle Point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was easily my favorite course that my wife and I played during our baby moon. Not only did I shoot my best score of the year there, but the entire experience from start to finish was outstanding. The course itself is very scoreable and enjoyable for a wide range of golfers, while still offering plenty of beautiful views and memorable holes. One of the highlights is that three holes run adjacent to the ocean, so if you’re looking for some of the coastal feel of the famous Ocean Course without paying Ocean Course prices, Turtle Point is an excellent alternative. We visited at the beginning of October and were told it was one of the best times of year to come. Hurricane season was just ending, the weather was absolutely perfect, and we practically had the course to ourselves. I would highly recommend visiting during that time of year if possible. The staff throughout the property were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. The practice facilities were also top-notch — the driving range, short game area, and putting greens were all extremely well maintained. The clubhouse has a fully stocked pro shop with everything you could need, and there’s also an Italian restaurant attached that was very good and made for a great post-round meal. Overall, Turtle Point delivered an amazing golf experience with great conditions, outstanding service, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. I would absolutely play it again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kiawah Island.
Resort golf. Soft turf, houses everywhere and conditioning not on par with the greens fee. Some cool holes though
A decent course in its own right. Front nine is a bit bland but really solid back nine with a few good risk reward holes early, and then an ocean course preview on holes 14-16.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Turtle Point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 83 explicit golfer ratings.
Turtle Point was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Turtle Point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Turtle Point is 72.
Turtle Point plays 6,911 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Turtle Point is 134.
