If you're a first-time visitor to the Holy City, there's one iconic experience you can't miss: a real-deal carriage tour. It's not hard to find the old-fashioned open-air carriages as they click and clack their way through the historic districts of the peninsula, starting from City Market. Incredibly knowledgeable tour guides point to the humble, infamous, and famous sights for which Charleston is famous. From soaring church steeples and stunning vistas over the harbor to quaint pocket gardens and four-foot-wide streets, a carriage ride provides a nuanced overview of the complex city we love to call home.
The best tour guides also share tragic, fascinating, and hilarious stories of the men and women who made Charleston the beauty that it is today. And when it comes to the very best carriage tours in Kiawah Island, SC, nobody does it quite as well as Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.
Carolina Polo and Carriage Company, the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians since the 1600s, is committed to providing the best experience of the historic "Holy City" to its customers. Our horse-drawn carriages, led by highly trained draft horses, offer a tour of the beauty and history of downtown Charleston, accompanied by rich stories from your guide.
What makes us different from other carriage ride companies is that we are truly passionate about sharing our love for the city of Charleston with anyone who visits. Our carriage tours in Kiawah Island, SC, are sure to leave you smiling with a wealth of knowledge about the South's favorite city, whether it's your first or fifteenth time visiting.
Our amazing horses often steal the show, and are highly trained to provide a fun, safe experience. As the stars of our carriage tours, providing them with care, nutrition, and love is our top priority.
What would a tour of Charleston be without a tour guide who immerses themselves in the history of the Holy City? If you're looking for the perfect mix of accuracy and entertainment, look no further than Carolina Polo& Carriage.
Our carriages are designed for modern times and mix comfort and safety for our horses while maintaining an authentic look. Go ahead, take a seat. You'll love riding around Charleston in style!
Our draft horses are easily recognizable by their tall stature and muscular build, equipped with strong hindquarters that make them perfect for pulling heavy loads. They are capable of effortlessly carrying a carriage full of sightseers, which is comparable to a person casually riding a bicycle. Before becoming carriage horses, most of our horses were working animals on Amish farms.
Our horses are known for their gentle nature and are ideal for pulling carriages. They are trained to ignore the sounds of the city streets and follow the directions given through the reins. We ensure that all of our horses receive the best care and lifestyle possible. They are consistently under the care of equine veterinarians.
To prevent exhaustion, our horses are rotated during the day and are given at least 30 minutes of rest between tours. Moreover, we limit each horse to a maximum of 4 tours per day, 5 days per week. Additionally, we take our horses to the pasture outside of town for two weeks after spending eight weeks downtown. This ensures that they get enough exercise and don't become overweight while also allowing them to roam and relax freely.
While our lineup of horses is subject to change, our currents table includes these superstars:
We treat our horses with love and care, because they are more than just workers to us - they're family.
Our horses are fed low sugar, low starch, high fiber diets of grainless horse feed and high-quality hay. Horses can eat more than 40,000calories, and we're happy to provide them with the feed they need to be active and healthy.
Our horses spend time in their stalls, which are bedded with eco-friendly options that are safe and effective.
We make it a point to keep a close eye on each and every one of our horses from the time we open to the time we close. We take their temperatures, keep them fed, and make sure they're watered well. Every one of our horses gets regular veterinarian appointments, which includes dental care, worming, and other preventative health measures.
Like humans, our horses benefit from shoes that provide traction and cushioning, which keep them comfortable throughout the workday. When their horseshoes need to be replaced, we take them to a farrier for new shoes.
There comes a time in every carriage horse's life when it's time to retire. When our horses are old enough for retirement, we work hard to find horse lovers who are committed to providing loving, exceptional care 24/7.
One of the most popular questions we get at Carolina Polo& Carriage Company is what kind of carriage rides we offer to guests. To satisfy every type of visitor, we offer a range of carriage tours, from group options to private rides. Keep reading to learn more about our itineraries and what you can expect from our sought-after historic horse-drawn tours.
Join us for an unforgettable one-hour group tour through the charming streets of downtown Charleston. Our knowledgeable and passionate guides will bring the history and architecture of Charleston to life before your very eyes. You'll witness stunning gardens and parks, grand mansions, historic churches, and buildings while learning about the people and events that shaped the history of this "Holy City." Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
Our public tours begin at the Historic City Market and cover several possible routes, showing you the most notable and historic sites in Charleston. You will get to witness the Old Exchange building, which is one of the most historic buildings in America and was finished in 1771. It was the last building constructed by the British before the Revolutionary War. The Edmonston Allston House and the historic White Point Gardens, popularly known as "The Battery," are also part of the tour.
During your horse-drawn carriage tour, your guide will enlighten you on the significance of several points of interest along Meeting Street, including the Calhoun Mansion, the Historic House Museum (The Nathaniel Russel House), and First Scott's Presbyterian Church. These highlights are just a fraction of all the incredible historic sights you will see on one of our tours around Charleston, depending on which route your tour takes.
Finally, all our tours end in the Historic City Market, where you are free to enjoy your next Charleston adventure. When you ride with our carriage company, you can be confident that you will have an unforgettable experience of Charleston's rich history and heritage.
When planning to take a tour, please note that tours depart from the Historic City Market every half an hour. To join the tour, you will need to check in at the ticket office located at 45 Pinckney St on your preferred day and indicate your preferred departure time. However, please be aware that during peak season and on weekends, wait times may vary.
Once you are cleared for departure and have boarded the carriage, the City of Charleston Tourism Officials require that all guests check in at the gate before departure. Additionally, for traffic flow and tax reasons, the city randomly assigns one of four routes for each carriage to tour through the historic district of Charleston. This assignment is determined by a spin of a bingo ball machine, with the color that comes up indicating the route or "zone" that the carriage is allowed to tour.
What does Vis-A-Vis mean, you might be asking? In French, it means "face-to-face" and pertains to the way guests were seated in their carriages back in the day. During this memorable carriage tour, you will get to see stunning gardens and parks, grand mansions, historic churches, and other significant buildings. Additionally, you'll learn about the individuals and occurrences that have influenced the history of the "Holy City" that we call home.
As you embark on your tour, you'll be pleased to know that it starts near the Historic City Market, a 200-year-old public market that spreads across four blocks. Though routes vary, you'll get to see some of Charleston's most notable sites, including Rainbow Row. A collection of pre-revolutionary buildings, Rainbow Row is an iconic landmark in Charleston that spans an entire block.
During the tour, you'll also hear about the fascinating history behind several historic homes and mansions, like the Villa Marguerite, the William Washington House, and the Famous #2 Meeting Street Inn. The latter overlooks White Point Gardens and is a popular spot for photography in the southeast.
As you pass through Meeting and Broad Street, you'll come across the Four Corners of Law, which Robert Ripley named the Four Corners of Law in his famous Ripley's Believe It or Not. There are many possible routes for your tour, and these are just a few examples of the sights you could see!
Finally, all tours end in the Historic City Market, leaving you free to explore Charleston's many other adventures.
Please note the following information before your tour begins. Once you have boarded the carriage and are ready to depart, it is mandatory that you check in at the gate, as per the City of Charleston Tourism Officials' regulations.
The city has designated four different routes for the carriages to follow through the historic district of Charleston. To ensure fair traffic flow and for tax purposes, the city randomly assigns each carriage one of these routes through a bingo ball machine. The color that comes up on the machine determines the route or "zone" that the carriage will tour.
To get the necessary information and directions, please approach an attendant at the Carolina Polo & Carriage ticket office, located at 45 Pinckney Street, at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.
There's no better way to experience the sights and sounds of Charleston than with your friends and family on a horse-drawn carriage! This private tour is ideal for large groups and provides you with an unforgettable look into the city.
Your tour will commence close to the Historic City Market, which is over 200 years old and is one of the oldest public markets in the USA. Depending on the zone you are given, some of the tour highlights may include the French Quarter, where your guide will bring the area to life with stories of the Dock Street Theatre, the French Huguenot Church, and St. Philips Church. You can also visit the Miles Brewton House on King Street, which is famous for its Georgian architecture, the Swordgate House, and St. Michael's Episcopal Church, which is the oldest church building in the city.
If your guide takes you through the streets nearest the Battery, you may catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter and hear the captivating history behind the attack on the fort and the beginnings of the "Late Great Unpleasantness." These are just a few of the sights that you may experience on our various detailed routes around beautiful Charleston. All tours will finish in the Historic City Market, where you can explore and enjoy your next Charleston adventure.
Our carriages are capable of accommodating up to 16 adults or a combination of adults and children. Pricing is per carriage and includes a fully narrated hour-long horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic district. If you have any special requests, please feel free to contact us. After the guests have been loaded onto the carriage and cleared for departure, it is mandatory to check in at the gate prior to departure, as per the City of Charleston Tourism Officials.
For tax purposes and traffic management, the city randomly assigns one of four routes to each carriage via a bingo ball machine. The color of the ball decides the zone that the carriage can tour. To begin the tour, please check in with an attendant at the Carolina Polo & Carriage ticket office located at 45 Pinckney Street 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.
When visiting Charleston, it's important to wear comfortable footwear, such as sneakers, ankle boots, or dressier flats. The cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks are not ideal for hard-soled shoes or high heels. Proper planning and packing according to the forecast and dress code will help you make the most of your vacation!
If you're looking for the most trusted carriage company in Charleston with deep roots in the Lowcountry, Carolina Polo & Carriage should be on top of your list. We take pride in being the only locally owned carriage operation in town. Our business is not just a business, but a family that is deeply ingrained in the Charleston community. With our unique perspective on the city's rich history and vibrant culture, we promise an authentic and unforgettable journey through the charming streets.
If you're looking for something truly special, we have private carriage tours tailored just for you. Our bespoke tours are crafted to meet your every desire, whether it's a romantic evening, a historical adventure, or a fun family outing.
For those once-in-a-lifetime moments, our elegant wedding carriages are perfect. Imagine arriving at your wedding in a fairy-tale carriage and making your special day even more memorable. Our carriages are also perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or any occasion that calls for a touch of class and romance.
Choose Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. for an experience that's more than just a tour - it's a journey into the heart of Charleston. We look forward to seeing your smile very soon.
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 easeme...
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.
Listen to this articleKIAWAH 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 p...
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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 ...
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.Read more: ...
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."
Listen to this articleThe 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, mar...
Listen to this article
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.