From The Blog

Maze of K’s: the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Above: Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren speaks to Our World at the West Beach Conference Room.

When those off the island think of Kiawah, it’s often properties that belong to Kiawah Island Golf Resort that come to mind first: the 18th hole of the Ocean Course or the Grand Lawn at the Sanctuary looking out over the ocean. But beyond the accolades and the PGA, the resort is also a property-owning member of the association and a steward of a wide section of the island.

Get to know Kiawah Island Golf Resort in our monthly Maze of K’s series.

In May of 1976, the Kiawah Island Inn started bringing people to Kiawah, and many of our current members spent their first magical nights on the island there, across from what is now the West Beach Conference Center.

The resort assets were split off from the rest of the island properties (which remain under the umbrella of Kiawah Partners) and sold in 1990. Three years later, the resort owner sold the property to the current owners, Virginia Investment Trust under Bill Goodwin. Between these two sales, Kiawah was in the spotlight for the famous 1991 Ryder Cup at the Ocean Course, often remembered as the “War by the Shore.” The screen debut of the gorgeous course was highlighted by the drama of the finish and Kiawah became, for golf-lovers, a household name.

The Sanctuary, which celebrates its 20th year in 2024, has continued the old inn’s habit of winning accolades and hearts for Kiawah. While the resort is public-facing, property owners are known to frequent the amenities, including five golf courses, Night Heron Park, the Roy Barth Tennis Center, and upscale dining options around the island. The resort hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and recently announced that the 2031 championship will return to The Ocean Course.

The resort is a dues-paying member of the Kiawah Island Community Association and holds rights as a KICA member, such as the ability to authorize guests and vote in association elections. As one of the major island entities, the resort participates in emergency planning and coordinates with other entities during major incidents and events.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited your resort neighbor, upcoming 4th of July events include the Red, White & Blue Festival at the Sanctuary and Independence Day Festival and Fireworks at Night Heron Park.