Kiawah Island, SC (Tuesday, December 5, 2006) – Kiawah
Island Golf Resort today announced that The Ocean Course, site of the 1991 Ryder
Cup Matches, the 2007 Senior PGA Championship and the 2012 PGA Championship,
will become a "walking only" facility for all tee times before noon
beginning January 1, 2007.
"Walking has been a fundamental part of the game of golf since the first
ball was struck on the seaside links of Scotland," said Brian Gerard,
Kiawah’s Director of Golf. "Our guests have enthusiastically embraced
walking The Ocean Course, since we implemented the caddie program six years ago
to the point where 50% currently walk. We feel this move will enhance our guest’s
experience by embracing the great traditions of the game."
All guests wishing to ride during their round will be assigned tee times
after noon. To maintain optimum course conditions, carts for non-handicapped
players are restricted to paths.
Walking caddies provide "local knowledge" including yardages,
assistance in finding wayward shots and in reading greens. They will also repair
divots and ball marks. For those taking caddies, there are no additional caddie
fees. There is a recommended gratuity based on service. Walkers may also carry
their own bags if they choose not to take caddies. Kiawah Island Golf Resort has
unrestricted walking on all of its courses at all times.
"We are very excited to be implementing this policy and expect the guest
experience to be greatly enhanced," explained Stephen Youngner, Head PGA
Professional at The Ocean Course. "The stature of The Ocean Course on a
national and international level continues to grow. Golf Magazine recently rated
The Ocean Course as the #3 course in the United States open to public play.
These accolades are in no small measure due to the caddie program as well as the
professionalism of the caddies themselves. It is a unique and amazing experience
to walk with a caddie at such a world-renowned facility."
Located just a short 35-minute drive from beautiful and historic Charleston,
South Carolina, Kiawah Island Golf Resort lies along 10 miles of uninterrupted
Atlantic Ocean beach, rated as one of America’s top 10 beaches by The Travel
Channel. Guests can choose from close to 600 villas and luxury homes and the
255-room Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which boasts a nature-based
spa, fine dining and handsome meeting space. The resort features two
award-winning tennis complexes, a variety of restaurants and lounges, and 10
miles of Atlantic beach.
For more information about Kiawah Island Golf Resort, please call (888) 854-2924
or visit online at
