KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A lawsuit filed Friday alleges the current owners of a sandy inlet at the southern end of Kiawah Island have failed to take measures to permanently protect the land.

The town of Kiawah Island, the Kiawah Island Community Association and the Kiawah Conservancy filed the breach of contract suit against KDP II, LLC, an affiliate of Kiawah Resort Associates, which owns the inlet, known as Captain Sam’s Spit.

The lawsuit states KDP agreed to “convey, deed restrict, and place conservation easements on the spit as part of a legally binding development agreement with Kiawah Island in December of 2013.”

Court documents allege the development agreement required KDP to deed part of the Spit to the Kiawah Island Community Association as community open space and to place all remaining undeveloped lands under conservation easement to be held by the Conservancy. These mandatory and unconditional obligations were required to be fulfilled prior to the expiration of the development agreement in December 2023, but were not, the suit alleges.

The suit asks the court to order KDP to immediately fulfill the terms of the agreement.

“This action is necessary to protect the interests of the Town’s citizens, KICA members and Kiawah Conservancy supporters, as well as the public at large who use and enjoy Beachwalker Park and access to the beach areas of the Spit. The Spit is also a supportive habitat to wildlife species, such as the piping plover, red knots, diamondback terrapins, and bottlenose dolphins,” a release from the town of Kiawah Island states.

Kiawah Island Town Council member Bradley Belt called Captain Sam’s Spit a “truly unique national treasure” that the town is committed to preserving and protecting.

“We join today with the Community Association and Kiawah Conservancy to ensure that the terms of the development agreement between the Town and KDP, which requires the developer to convey portions of the Spit to KICA and record a conservation easement in favor of the Conservancy, are enforced,” Belt said.

“Our community is firmly aligned with the Town and Conservancy in the desire to preserve Captain Sam’s pristine natural habitat in perpetuity,” Kiawah Island Community Association Board Chair Kevin Donlon said. “The Association, on behalf of our members, has diligently pursued the promised beach and marshland property at the Spit since the expiration of the development agreement and will continue to do so until a satisfactory quitclaim deed is fulfilled as promised.”

Amy Armstrong, the executive director of the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, which is representing the Conservancy, said they expect KDP to be “held accountable for their promise to place conservation easements on the entirety of the Spit as undeveloped land.”

“These deed restrictions and conveyances required under the development agreement, and which KDP has yet to fulfill, will ensure the Spit’s permanent protection forever – a long-sought result because of the Spit’s dynamic nature and its immense habitat values,” Armstrong said.

The lawsuit is asking the court to order KDP to convey the Ocean Front Highland and the Marsh to the Kiawah Island Community Association for them to deed restrict the Highlands to passive green space and to subject the property to a conservation easement. The suit also requests an injunction to block KDP from conveying the Ocean Front Highland, the Marsh and the Highlands to any third party other than the association or the conservancy.

The suit also requests attorney’s fees and costs.

Attorneys representing Kiawah Development Partners have not yet responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Freshfields Village, the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, is pleased to announce its diverse lineup of summer events, with activities for the whole family. Offering a refreshing oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown, Freshfields Village presents an array of experiences such as weekday markets and lively weekend concerts to captivate both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry.

“The Village is excited to present a dynamic lineup of summer events, crafted to enrich our community and provide unforgettable experiences for families,” said Herbert Ames, managing director of EDENS. “From the smooth rhythms of Jazz Night to the beloved nostalgia of Movies on The Green, our commitment to fostering community engagement resonates in every event.”

The lineup of weekday and weekend events at Freshfields include:

Weekday Kickstart the Week with Local Flavor: Every Monday from June to August, Freshfields Village hosts its Farmers Market from 3 to 7 pm. The Village Green transforms into a bustling local marketplace, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts. Relax into Thursday Evening with Live Jazz: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 pm at the Porch Bar of the Andell Inn. Guests of the Andell Inn and others can enjoy live music performances from local Charleston groups in a cozy atmosphere. Dive into Movie Magic Under the Stars: Every Wednesday in July at 8:30 pm, guests can enjoy Movies on The Village Green. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and beach chairs for complimentary screenings of Top Gun Maverick, National Treasure, Migration, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Footloose.

Weekend Welcome the Weekend with Live Music: The Music on The Green Concert series kicks off on May 24 and runs through August 31 with concerts every Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Enjoy free live performances featuring regional bands with genres ranging from Carolina beach music and Motown to top 40 hits and country tunes. Fuel Up with Classic Cars and Coffee: The monthly Cars & Coffee event happens on the third Saturday of every month from 9 to 11 am, showcasing unique cars and offering the opportunity to purchase coffee from Java Java. Indulge in Spirits Tastings: Guests can savor complimentary tastings at Kiawah Spirits every Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 pm, from a selection of fine spirits. Enjoy a timeless classic or discover a new favorite during this intimate experience. Explore Kiawah Island with the Lululemon Walking Club: The Lululemon Walking Club meets at the store located within The Village every first and third Saturday of the month at 8:30 am for a scenic journey along Kiawah Island trails. Locals and visitors alike can start their morning with exercise and community for a complete wellness activity.

For more information about these events and other happenings, visit www.freshfieldsvillage.com/events.

ABOUT FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE Freshfields Village is an open-air shopping and dining destination, ideally located at the crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands, just 30 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. From casual and fine dining to salons and services, Freshfields has much to offer those visiting and those who call Charleston “home.” The sidewalks are lined with both local shops, high-end boutiques and regional and national retailers featuring over 30 unique shops and 11 dining experiences. The Village is bookended by luxury hotel, Andell Inn, and the beautiful Kiawah Island Lowcountry landscape. Follow Freshfields Village on social media (Facebook: @FreshfieldsVillage; Instagram @FreshfieldsVillage) for upcoming events, itineraries, and more.

ABOUT EDENS EDENS’ purpose is to enrich community through human engagement. The company owns, develops and stewards a leading real estate portfolio of more than 100 open-air retail and mixed-use places in high-growth markets coast to coast. Through intentional design, thoughtful curation and meaningful engagement, EDENS’ places reach an estimated 15 million people daily.

FRISCO, Texas & KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (April 17, 2024) – The PGA of America announced today that The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, will host the 2031 PGA Championship. Additionally, the 2029 Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championships will be contested at The Ocean Course and Turtle Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

The 113th PGA Championship, scheduled for May 2031, marks the third time the strongest field in golf will compete for the Wanamaker Trophy along South Carolina’s coast.

The Ocean Course previously hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and will join elite company as just the ninth course to host three or more PGA Championships. The PGA of America also conducted the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2005 PGA Professional Championship and the 2007 Senior PGA Championship there.

“We are ecstatic to bring the Junior PGA Championships and PGA Championship to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in 2029 and 2031,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing. “Past PGA Championships at Kiawah Island have provided no shortage of memorable moments and historic performances, all taking place along a breathtaking coastal setting. The Ocean Course’s challenging layout and rich history make it an ideal destination for our Championships.”

At the 2021 PGA Championship, 50-year-old Phil Mickelson became the oldest men’s major champion in golf history. He registered a final-round 1-over-par 73 to finish at 6-under-par and clinch the two-shot victory.

The 1991 Ryder Cup proved to be a significant moment in the history of golf’s greatest team event. Following an intense, drama-filled two days, the three-day contest came down to the final hole of the final match between Hale Irwin and Bernhard Langer.

With the U.S. holding a 14-13 lead and the match tied, Langer needed to win the 18th to capture a full point and secure the 14-14 tie for Europe to retain the Cup. Following Irwin’s bogey, Langer’s six-foot putt for par narrowly missed, resulting in a 14 ½ to 13 ½ victory for the home team.

The Junior PGA Championships, two of golf’s major championships for juniors, continue to serve as a springboard for many of the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour’s biggest stars. Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas competed in past editions while past Girls Junior PGA winners include Inbee Park, Yuka Saso, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.

“We are proud to again be selected as the host course for the 2031 PGA Championship,” said Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren, PGA. “The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Pete Dye’s brilliant seaside design, will present a formidable challenge for the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. We are confident our partnership with the PGA of America and the local community will produce another world class event.”

The Ocean Course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye from 1989-91, is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the country. Located on the easternmost end of Kiawah Island, it boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere with 10 hugging the Atlantic and the other eight running parallel to those. Although the course was originally planned to sit behind the dunes, Alice Dye suggested raising the entire course to give players unobstructed views of Kiawah Island’s stunning coastline on every hole.

The Ocean Course has consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest and 100 Greatest Public Courses in the United States, including 24th (100 Greatest) and third (100 Greatest Public) in 2023-24.

For more information on the PGA Championship, visit here.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — The 113th PGA Championship in May 2031 will be hosted at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

The PGA America announced Kiawah Island would host the 2031 championship on April 17. The 2029 Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championships will also be contested at The Ocean Course and Turtle Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

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"We are ecstatic to bring the Junior PGA Championships and PGA Championship to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in 2029 and 2031," PGA of America President John Lindert said in a statement. "Past PGA Championships at Kiawah Island have provided no shortage of memorable moments and historic performances, all taking place along a breathtaking coastal setting. The Ocean Course's challenging layout and rich history make it an ideal destination for our championships."

This will be the third PGA Championship hosted at Kiawah Island, following the 2012 and 2021 championships.

"We are proud to again be selected as the host course for the 2031 PGA Championship," Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren said in a statement. "The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Pete Dye's brilliant seaside design, will present a formidable challenge for the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. We are confident our partnership with the PGA of America and the local community will produce another world class event."

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Explore Charleston CEO Helen Hill issued a statement on Kiawah Island Golf Resort the 2031 PGA Championship.

"Congratulations to Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Town of Kiawah Island. The remarkable opportunities to host the 2031 PGA Championship and the 2029 Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championships are realized only through community and industry leaders' collective vision and unwavering commitment."

"Events of this caliber are momentous for the entire Charleston region, and we are sincerely grateful for the PGA's trust in our community's capacity to host world-class championships catering to players, patrons, and other stakeholders."

"Drawing from our past experiences with prestigious events like the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2019 U.S. Women's Open, and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, we understand the transformative power of these tournaments. They not only spotlight the resort, island, region, and state on a global scale, but also yield substantial economic benefits."

"Despite pandemic-induced limitations on attendance, the 2021 PGA Championship generated nearly $60 million in economic impact, bolstering state and local economies with over $8 million in tax revenues. The event's international broadcast reached over half a billion households, garnering over $160 million in media exposure for Kiawah and the surrounding area."

"The Explore Charleston team eagerly anticipates collaborating with the PGA, resort, town, and broader destination stakeholders to ensure the unparalleled success of these championships."

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The PGA of America announced that The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island will host the 2031 PGA Championship.

Additionally, the 2029 Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championships will be contested at The Ocean Course and Turtle Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

The 113th PGA Championship, scheduled for May 2031, marks the third time the event will be held at the course, according to a news release.

The Ocean Course previously hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and will join elite company as just the ninth course to host three or more PGA Championships, the release stated. The PGA of America also conducted the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2005 PGA Professional Championship and the 2007 Senior PGA Championship there.

“We are ecstatic to bring the Junior PGA Championships and PGA Championship to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in 2029 and 2031,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing, in the release. “Past PGA Championships at Kiawah Island have provided no shortage of memorable moments and historic performances, all taking place along a breathtaking coastal setting. The Ocean Course’s challenging layout and rich history make it an ideal destination for our Championships.”

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At the 2021 PGA Championship, 50-year-old Phil Mickelson became the oldest men’s major champion in golf history. He registered a final-round 1-over-par 73 to finish at 6-under-par and clinch the two-shot victory.

The 2012 PGA Championship saw a 23-year-old Rory McIlroy cruise to a record-setting victory, the release stated. The Northern Ireland native posted a 6-under-par 66 on Sunday to finish at 13-under-par 275. McIlroy’s eight-stroke victory surpassed the PGA Championship record for victory margin set by Jack Nicklaus in 1980.

“We are proud to again be selected as the host course for the 2031 PGA Championship,” said Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren, PGA, in the release. “The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Pete Dye’s brilliant seaside design, will present a formidable challenge for the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. We are confident our partnership with the PGA of America and the local community will produce another world class event.”

The Ocean Course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye from 1989-91, is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the country, the release stated. Located on the easternmost end of Kiawah Island, it boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere with 10 hugging the Atlantic and the other eight running parallel to those.

The Ocean Course has consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest and 100 Greatest Public Courses in the United States, including 24th (100 Greatest) and third (100 Greatest Public) in 2023-24.

“Events of this caliber are momentous for the entire Charleston region, and we are sincerely grateful for the PGA’s trust in our community’s capacity to host world-class championships catering to players, patrons, and other stakeholders,” Explore Charleston CEO Helen Hill said in a release.