Okay, so I finally tackled The River Course at Kiawah Island. Been wanting to do this one for ages!
First off, getting there was half the battle. Woke up super early, grabbed a coffee (essential!), and hit the road. It’s a bit of a drive, but the scenery starts getting good way before you even reach the island. That kind of gets you in the mood, you know?
Pulled into the pro shop, checked in, and just soaked in the atmosphere. This place is serious about golf. Saw a few guys warming up on the range – real pros, probably – and tried not to feel too intimidated. Did some stretching, swung the club a few times to loosen up. Gotta prep those old muscles!
Then it was onto the first tee. Man, that first tee shot is a nerve-wracker! The course just stretches out in front of you, and the wind was already picking up. Took a deep breath, focused on my stance, and whacked it. Not my best, but definitely not my worst. Landed in the fairway, which is all you can ask for sometimes.
The whole course is just stunning. The views of the Kiawah River are incredible. But don’t let the scenery distract you! This course is tough. Lots of water hazards, tricky bunkers, and the wind is a constant factor. I lost a few balls, I’m not gonna lie. Especially on the back nine, that wind was just relentless.
I remember one hole in particular – I think it was the 12th? Par 3 over the water. The wind was howling straight into my face. I had to club up like crazy just to clear the water. Managed to land it on the green, but it was a nail-biter for sure. Birdied it though, so all worth it.
Walking off the 18th green was a great feeling. Score wasn’t amazing, but I finished! And I played a challenging course in pretty tough conditions. That’s always a victory in my book.
Afterwards, I grabbed a beer at the clubhouse and just chilled for a bit, watching the sun set over the river. Perfect way to end the day.
A few takeaways:
- Bring plenty of balls. Seriously.
- Pay attention to the wind. It’s a game-changer.
- Don’t get discouraged. It’s a tough course, but it’s also a lot of fun.
- Take some time to enjoy the views. They’re amazing.
Overall, The River Course is an awesome experience. Challenging, beautiful, and definitely worth the trip. I’d recommend it to any golfer who’s looking for a test.
Would I play it again? Absolutely. Next time, I’m bringing more balls… and maybe a caddie!
