Cassique

Named for Cassique, a clever Kiawah Indian chief who persuaded the British to move from further south to what became Charlestowne in 1670, this 6,960-yard links-style course ranges over former agricultural fields where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic. The course hosted the 2002 Kiawah Children’s Hospital Classic, 2003 Palmer Cup, and 2004 UBS Cup. It is now ranked on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Modern Courses and moving up quickly since opening in 2001.

Tom Watson’s walkable design recalls the links courses of Scotland and Ireland where he dominated the game on his way to winning the British Open five times. The first six holes at Cassique have been described as looking like they’ve been “air-lifted from Ireland’s southwest coast.” A replica of The Spectacles bunkers from Carnoustie guards one green, and approaches reminicent of holes at Ballybunion and Cypress Point, frame two others. As with such classic seaside settings, Cassique offers little protection from ocean winds, so Watson fashioned holes that could be played in numerous ways depending upon the conditions and the creativity and skills of the golfer. Strong winds mean that the contour of the land must figure heavily into most shot calculations, a process that can be helped greatly by the fact that Cassique is home to the Kiawah Island Club Golf Academy, dedicated to improving Club Members’ overall golf experiences.

The Cassique Clubhouse offers a spectacular dining experience in a private club setting. The restaurant and pub feature a menu designed exclusively by Consulting Chef Tom Colicchio who co-founded Manhattan’s famous Gramercy Tavern and in recent years has opened his own Craft restaurant in a number of US cities, Colicchio, the star and host of “Top Chef”on Bravo was the James Beard “US Chef of the Year” in 2000. Cassique’s capable staff and concierge oversee every club detail from rooms for private functions, to expansive men and women’s locker facilities, and a full-service golf shop.