Cougar Point at Kiawah Island
Cougar Point is Gary Player's contribution to Kiawah, a par 72 of about 6,814 yards that runs hard along the Kiawah River salt marsh. First opened in 1976 and reborn under Player, it was renovated again in 2017 into one of the most scenic and playable rounds on the island, all wide marsh vistas and tidal drama.
Photo via Google, contributed by Joe Alpha.
The verdict
Cougar Point is the Gary Player course at Kiawah, and a reminder of how scenic resort golf can be when it works with the tide. The site dates to 1976 and was reimagined under Player into Cougar Point, then given a comprehensive renovation that reopened in 2017, rebuilding the bunkers and greens, raising the playability and opening up the views across the Kiawah River marsh.
Our verdict: this is a relaxed, photogenic round where the salt marsh is both backdrop and hazard. It does not have the length or ferocity of the Ocean Course, and that is the point, a course you enjoy looking at as much as playing, with a couple of holes that live long in the memory. It is a smart pick early in a Kiawah week before the bigger tests. For the wider region, see our guide to golf in South Carolina.
Cougar Point at a glance
- Opened
- 1976
- Designer
- Gary Player
- Type
- Resort marsh
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,814 yds
- Green fee
- From around $200
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Kiawah Island Golf Resort and leading course databases: a Gary Player design first opened in 1976, reimagined as Cougar Point and renovated again in 2017, par 72, about 6,814 yards. Cougar Point is a public resort course with priority access and the best rates for resort guests; the indicative green fee starts around $200 for the 2026 season and varies by season, time and guest status. Treat any figure as indicative and always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The defining feature at Cougar Point is the Kiawah River salt marsh, which frames hole after hole and forces several genuine carries over tidal water and spartina grass. The 2017 renovation widened the playing corridors and rebuilt the greens, so the course now rewards a thoughtful round without punishing the higher handicapper who respects the hazard.
The stretch along the river is the highlight, where tee shots flirt with the marsh for a better angle and the wider vistas open up toward the water. The greens roll true and the bunkering is clean and modern after the rebuild, making this a course that flatters good iron play and gives you plenty to photograph. It is gentle enough to enjoy and interesting enough to remember.
On a Kiawah trip Cougar Point pairs well with the strategic Osprey Point and the Nicklaus coastal golf of Turtle Point, building toward the headline day on the Ocean Course.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; tee times are bookable, with priority and the best rates for Kiawah Island Golf Resort guests on a stay and play package |
| Green fee | Indicative rates from around $200 for 2026, higher in peak spring and fall, lower in summer and winter; confirm current pricing before booking |
| Handicap and dress | No handicap requirement; a standard collared shirt golf dress code; the course suits a wide range of abilities |
| On the day | Mind the tide and the wind off the marsh, take enough club for the river carries, and enjoy the views |
| Getting there | On Kiawah Island, about 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport and the city of Charleston |
| Best months | Spring and fall are prime in the Lowcountry, with mild winters and hot, humid summers |
Access and fee details verified June 2026 from Kiawah Island Golf Resort and leading databases. Green fees are indicative for the 2026 season and change with demand and guest status; always confirm the current rate and tee sheet directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the obvious base, with the five star Sanctuary hotel and a wide range of villas and homes putting Cougar Point and all five courses minutes from the first tee, plus the best access and rates across the island. It is the natural home for a multi day golf week.
The city of Charleston, under an hour away, adds historic hotels and acclaimed dining for an evening off the course. Build the rest of the week around Turtle Point and a bucket list day on the Ocean Course.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts on Kiawah Island and around Charleston.
Build a South Carolina golf trip
Cougar Point is a scenic, relaxed day we love to open a Kiawah week with, ahead of the resort's bigger tests and the headline round on the Ocean Course, with the tee times and lodging booked to match. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Cougar Point questions
Who designed Cougar Point at Kiawah Island?
Cougar Point is a Gary Player design. The site first opened in 1976, was reimagined by Player and renamed Cougar Point, and underwent a further renovation completed in 2017.
What is the par and length of Cougar Point?
Cougar Point plays as a par 72 of about 6,814 yards, with several holes set dramatically along the Kiawah River salt marsh.
Can the public play Cougar Point at Kiawah Island?
Yes. Cougar Point is a public resort course with priority and the best rates for Kiawah Island Golf Resort guests. Indicative 2026 green fees start around $200 and vary by season; always confirm directly before booking.
What is Cougar Point known for?
Cougar Point is known for its sweeping marsh and river vistas and its renewed playability after the 2017 renovation, making it one of Kiawah's most scenic and enjoyable rounds.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; green fee indicative for 2026 and to be confirmed with the resort. Last reviewed June 2026.