Situated along the picturesque coast of South Carolina, Kiawah Island is famous for its stunning landscapes, leisurely lifestyle, and two premier clubs catering to its residents' discerning needs: The Kiawah Island Club and The Governors Club. These membership clubs offer more than just social or sporting amenities; they represent distinct lifestyles and communities within the island. Here’s a deeper dive into what each club offers and how they differentiate themselves in catering to members.
The Kiawah Island Club: Exclusivity and Luxury
The Kiawah Island Club is intimately tied to property ownership within certain neighborhoods on Kiawah, making it highly exclusive. Membership is available via invitation and is offered in conjunction with the purchase of a previously unsold Kiawah Island homesite or as part of a property purchase from a current club member who’s including the membership in the sale. This club is for those who seek an elite level of privacy, luxury, and an unparalleled suite of amenities.
Facilities and Amenities
The Kiawah Island Club’s amenities cater to an active, luxurious lifestyle while providing unique culinary experiences, memory-making social events, and community gatherings. Regularly organized events and activities foster a tight-knit community atmosphere among members.
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The Beach Club: Includes beach access, three pools, and dining options, The Shack and B-Liner
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Cassique: A par 72, 6,960-yard Tom Watson-designed gem influenced by the revered links of Ireland and Scotland
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The Cassique Clubhouse: Evoking a 19th-century English country manor, the Cassique Clubhouse boasts a full-service golf shop, European steakhouse Voysey’s, The Living Room bar and bistro, and Tom’s Kitchen, a stand-alone event space for private celebrations and culinary demonstrations
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The River Course: Kiawah’s first private course, designed by Tom Fazio, the par 72 7,039 yards layout stretches along Bass Pond and the Kiawah River
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The River Course Clubhouse: Classic Lowcountry clubhouse includes a full-service golf shop, dining and grill rooms, several event spaces, lounge facilities, and a fitness center
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Sasanqua: Kiawah Island Club’s 10,000 square-foot day spa, Sasanqua, sits adjacent to the River Course Clubhouse and overlooks the Kiawah River
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The Sports Pavilion at Cassique: The club’s multi-faceted sports pavilion houses a 9,000-square-foot fitness center
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The Sporting Club: A 993-acre expanse that hosts clay, skeet, and five-stand shooting, as well as an archery course
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Club Cottages: Three private cottages on Bass Creek available for club members and their guests
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Marsh House: Exclusive to Kiawah Island Club Members and Ocean Park property owners, the indoor-outdoor facility includes an infinity pool, deck, outdoor grill, and cocktail bar
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Social Events: The club’s annual events calendar caters to all comers and includes the Rock the River concert; Red, White, and Boom and Light Up the Links Fourth of July celebrations; Bayou Bash and Easter Week; Memorial and Labor Day Pool Parties; Thanksgiving weekend, and New Year’s Eve Bash
Membership Options
Golf Membership: Provides access to the club’s private golf courses and clubhouses—the River Course designed by Tom Fazio and Cassique designed by Tom Watson—as well as the Beach Club, Sasanqua Spa, and the Sports Pavilion, all without need to pay green or court fees.
Sports Membership: This membership tier includes access to tennis facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and the sports pavilion, as well as reduced green fees. It suits those who enjoy an active lifestyle but still want the option of occasional golf. Both golf and sports memberships are available as a family or individual option.
Social Membership: This membership focuses on the club’s social aspects, such as clubhouse access, gourmet dining venues, spa, and sports pavilion. It is ideal for those who prefer to indulge in the social and culinary offerings without focusing on golf.
Social Membership: This membership focuses on the club’s social aspects, such as clubhouse access, gourmet dining venues, spa, and sports pavilion. It is ideal for those who prefer to indulge in the social and culinary offerings without focusing on golf.
The Governors Club: Inclusivity and Golf at Its Core
In contrast to the Kiawah Island Club, The Governors Club offers membership to any property owner on Kiawah Island without the prerequisite of owning property in specific developments. It emphasizes golf accessibility and provides a more inclusive atmosphere, with year-round access to Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Membership Benefits
The Governer’s Club amenities aim to satisfy those wanting to enjoy everything the island offers, with access and discounts to a range of facilities, activities, and dining options. Governors Club benefits include:
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Reduced playing fees and unlimited practice facility use at five golf courses, including the famed Ocean Course, Cougar Point, Oak Point, Osprey Point, and Turtle Point
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15% off golf shop merchandise
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Discounted court fees and complimentary court time at Roy Barth Tennis Center
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15% discount on food, beverage, and retail (and an additional 10% on special member’s nights), spa treatments and services, bike and beach recreation, and Kiawah Island Golf Resort accommodations (and preferential reservations)
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Access to Night Heron Fitness Center and Pools and West Beach Pool
The club also promotes numerous family-oriented activities and events, adding to the club’s comprehensive offerings.
Membership Options
Golf Access: Members can play on all five public golf courses, including the prestigious Ocean Course, known for hosting major championships. This allows for a diverse golfing experience suitable for all skill levels, with options for unlimited family and single membership or limited membership at 30 or 60 rounds a year.
Tennis: This tier offers a similar set-up to golf, with unlimited family or individual options or capped options of 100 or 200 hours of court time. Golf and tennis memberships can also be combined.
Social and Dining Venues: This membership tier provides access to club facilities, events, and pool venues, as well as 15% off food, beverage, spa, and merchandise. Pool-only memberships are also available if you or your family only require access to the pool areas.
Tennis: This tier offers a similar set-up to golf, with unlimited family or individual options or capped options of 100 or 200 hours of court time. Golf and tennis memberships can also be combined.
Social and Dining Venues: This membership tier provides access to club facilities, events, and pool venues, as well as 15% off food, beverage, spa, and merchandise. Pool-only memberships are also available if you or your family only require access to the pool areas.
Deciding Between the Two Clubs
Apart from the caveat that only property owners of qualifying Kiawah Island real estate can join the island’s namesake club, for those with both as an option, choosing between The Kiawah Island Club and The Governors Club is all about personal preference and lifestyle needs:
Exclusivity vs. Accessibility
The Kiawah Island Club offers an exclusive environment with luxury amenities, ideal for those who desire privacy and premium services. The Governors Club suits those wanting a more variable club experience.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Those prioritizing golf and a broader array of pursuits might find The Governors Club’s open policy appealing, while those seeking a more genuine “country club” lifestyle with luxury amenities might lean towards The Kiawah Island Club.
Community Engagement
The Kiawah Island Club fosters an intimate, community-driven environment through exclusive events and high-end amenities. The Governors Club takes a more island-wide approach, with community engagement involving a variety of public events and activities.
Ready to Discover More About Kiawah Island
Both clubs reflect the high standards of the Kiawah Island lifestyle but cater to distinctly different member bases, with unique enticements promising residents a club suited to their personal and social needs.
If you're looking to find your ideal Kiawah Island home and the perfect club membership for you and your family, contact Michelle Almeyda Wiedemuth today to start your Lowcountry real estate journey.
If you're looking to find your ideal Kiawah Island home and the perfect club membership for you and your family, contact Michelle Almeyda Wiedemuth today to start your Lowcountry real estate journey.
