[bigcapa]

I will be heading out to Kiawah Island SC in two weeks to play the River Course and Cassique for the US Mid AM. Wondering if anyone had any details or tips for the courses???

[shadow]

You are a very lucky man. I was unable to try and qualify this year (injury), however a very good friend of mine qualified as well. My father actually owns property at Kiawah, and holds a membership at The River Course and Cassique. I have played both numerous times (usually about 10-15 rounds/year since they opened). Let me just say that you will LOVE both Tracks. A few "pointers".

Both courses are VERY different from each other. The River is more of a traditional Northeast layout (if there is such a thing). Very tight, hilly. Lots of hazards around the greens (water and sand). You certainly need to be on the right tier of greens, as they are very undulating and grainy. Cassique is pretty much a links style course (Watson design). Pretty open, but the rough and fescue is very tough. Fairway pot bunkers on pretty much every hole, with some water. Greens are not as grainy or severe as the River's, but they are quick, and large.
Both courses put a large demand on driving accuracy. Par 5's are pretty reachable on both, however most are also tight (water or hazards present).

The scenery (not that you are too interested) is unreal. Gators/birds/bald eagles/osprey. If you have never been there, you will love it. Take time to walk through the Cassique Clubhouse (old Irish Castle style). Also, outside of these two courses, if you can play The Ocean Course, you should not pass up that opportunity. After playing there, most every other course will seem like a municipal course on a difficulty scale. If you do not end up playing the Ocean Course, do yourself a favor and visit the clubhouse there. It is beautiful. The 2nd floor (which is open to the public) is the locker room (used for both the PGA and Senior PGA tour.......it is a treat!

[csiachos]

River is easier b/c the wind doesn't affect it as much. Cassique is more of a links course and has hard rough. They are two of my favorite courses, you'll have a blast even if you don't play well. The only tip I can give you is be careful when walking near water. We once saw about a 13 footer next to our cart,sitting down in the reeds. Thing was almost twice the length of our cart and about 3 ft wide. A true monster.

[boomgoesthedynamite]

shadow, on Sep 18 2009, 12:58 PM, said:

The scenery (not that you are too interested) is unreal. Gators/birds/bald eagles/osprey. If you have never been there, you will love it. Take time to walk through the Cassique Clubhouse (old Irish Castle style). Also, outside of these two courses, if you can play The Ocean Course, you should not pass up that opportunity. After playing there, most every other course will seem like a municipal course on a difficulty scale. If you do not end up playing the Ocean Course, do yourself a favor and visit the clubhouse there. It is beautiful. The 2nd floor (which is open to the public) is the locker room (used for both the PGA and Senior PGA tour.......it is a treat!

We were down at Kiawah last weekend. An Alligator had just had babies in Night Herron Park. I got to see one of the babies and the momma gator while walking my dog in the mornings. We also saw 2 sharks swimming in the surf on West Beach on Sunday morning. I'd guess they were 4-6 feet long and were about 20 yards out in the water. They were swimming southwards towards Seabrook Island. If you are driving on Kiawah at night, be careful, as there are deer everywhere!!
...and yes, the Ocean Course clubhouse is awesome!

[minitour]

bigcapa, on Sep 18 2009, 12:01 AM, said:

I will be heading out to Kiawah Island SC in two weeks to play the River Course and Cassique for the US Mid AM. Wondering if anyone had any details or tips for the courses???

Congrats!!! I, too, was sidelined with injury this year. Hopefully next year.

-mini

[smuhunter]

bigcapa, on Sep 18 2009, 12:01 AM, said:

I will be heading out to Kiawah Island SC in two weeks to play the River Course and Cassique for the US Mid AM. Wondering if anyone had any details or tips for the courses???

Headed there myself, looking forward to playing Cassique especially. A Fazio course is like a Marriott or Hilton...always nice but generally pretty much the same style with some holes that are always out of the same playbook.