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 http://www.kiawahgolf.com/. For more information on The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, visit www.TheSanctuary.com or call (877) 683-1234.
For more information about Kiawah Island Real Estate or the private Kiawah Island Club, please call (800) 277-7008 or visit www.kiawahisland.com.
Contact:
Michael Vegis
Phone (843) 768-2749
E-mail: mike_vegis@kiawahresort.com
