A Lowcountry Landscape: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, 2021 PGA Championship Host

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, host of the 2021 PGA Championship, is a Pete Dye design routed through the dunes, live oaks, and saltwater marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Along with Charleston-based golf architect Troy Miller, Andy Johnson and Garrett Morrison discuss this one-of-a-kind golf course, its most memorable holes, and the ways it has changed over the years.
Video shot by Andy Johnson
Video edited by Cameron Hurdus
Audio produced by Garrett Morrison
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[@432jb]

Without a doubt the hardest course I've ever played

[@bcool9104]

Best and hardest course I have ever played. It wears you down mentally and physically--especially if you are walking. I had to constantly look for the lost balls of my playing partners and myself, which added many steps to the round (all good golfers usually). It is so beautiful that you lose focus paying attention to the nature around the course. The sitting outside at the clubhouse having a beer and burger is also a great memory!

[@underthecard]

Looks unreal! Epic drone vision.

[@TheGolfClan]

Great description of Kiawah. Totally agree - a golf course can be really hard and really good. In many ways I think the paspalum grass softens the blows by slowing things down a bit.

[@lmanford1376]

Hell yea! Longer video and it's sick (also comment for the algo). Thanks guys!

[@mbj708]

Played 3 weeks ago, loved that you featured the 3rd green. Missed long right w back right pin. Caddy couldn’t believe I got it on the green from there. Bring back Bermuda!

[@frankbarcio195]

I’m playing this course the Thursday after the pga and have no idea what I’m in for lol! What a beautiful course I’m beyond excited for it!! Goal is under 100 lol

[@cammikula6863]

Good luck frank ! It’s a beast

[@stevefowler2112]

Love playing Pete Dye Courses...I am not the longest hitter (not short but not a crazy bomber) but if you can put your tee shots in play and have good mid iron accuracy and you have a crazy sharp short game...and just enjoy yourself, his tracks can be super fun. I shot 79 at the Sawgrass Stadium Course on the Monday after the '92 tourney...maybe the best round of gold I ever played, well probably 2nd behind the only time I shot under par, I was crazy on that day. Have never played Kiawah but the course looks like a blast (a 4 handicapper who lives in Orlando Fl.).

[@pdtar5517]

Beautiful presentation Andy & crew. 'Come & get me, if you can'

[@codym6325]

Can't wait to visit for the first time for the championship this weekend gonna be a blast

[@thomassully4347]

Amazing drone footage Andy! This got me really excited for next week. Hope the wind blows!

[@marcusdolby1]

I played this course in 2012, I consider the 92 I shot one of the best rounds I’ve played, I’m a 7 handicap.

[@homecourseaerials]

This is well done Andy! Feel like I got to know some of the holes and see how they would play.

[@ksix1team]

fabulous video! Thankyou!

[@jwilder2251]

Awesome drone footage

[@derekflanderschang9654]

Well this setup seemed to produce a pretty fun tournament 👍

[@KyleWilckens717]

well done. love these.

[@benbrearley9082]

I would love the pga too play Firm and fast no rough !!!! But alas

[@arthurford829]

Hard indeed! I played the week after they punched, at full price, which made it even more difficult. But it’s a beautiful course with some spectacular views. Btw, in honor of classic Andy Johnson snark, I’m going to go ahead and predict McIlroy misses the cut. I mean, has anyone repeated at the same major venue 10 years later?

[@hietanbs]

This drone work is incredible

[@renatab8293]

Usually regarded as the hardest course to have ever hosted a major (and McIlroy won it by 8!)

[@qcrew2938]

Will there be a gallery? Can't imagine where they'll stand

[@dmx188]

this looks like the hardest course ever

[@richardcunningham5540]

Looks brutal. Who far under will they go?

[@nicholastheos3022]

they cant make the course firm and fast because the balls will roll off of the greens when the winds are up.

[@mbj708]

Who gives this a thumbs down? So dumb

[@kipperlane5589]

I’m going to jack the price up 75% for anyone who needs work done out there period and I’m sure I’m not the only one tired of this crap