Walking caddies at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course to be included in green fees

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -- Kiawah Island Golf Resort today announced that starting March 10, guests of the world-famous Ocean Course can walk with a caddie at no additional fee.

"Golf is a game of grand traditions," said Tommy Cuthbert, Kiawah's Director of Golf. "Walking with a caddie is one of those traditions that greatly enhances the entire experience. As one of America's true links-style courses, reminiscent to the great courses of Scotland, The Ocean Course is an ideal location to walk. So, to make this more appealing to our guests, we have eliminated the extra charge for this service. At The Ocean Course, it now costs the same whether a player walks or rides."

Last summer, The Ocean Course underwent renovations by course architect Pete Dye, many of which were aimed at making it more walker friendly.

In addition to carrying bags, walking caddies will provide local knowledge, including course management strategies, yardages, assistance in finding wayward shots and in reading greens. They will also repair divots and ball marks. All players will be provided transportation to the first tee, between the 9th green and 10th tee and back to the clubhouse after their round. For those who prefer to ride, forecaddies will accompany groups on their rounds, providing services similar to walking caddies.

Caddies and forecaddies will also be available on Turtle Point, Kiawah Island's Nicklaus designed course for a fee of $35 per bag for walking caddie and $20 per bag for a forecaddie. As with The Ocean Course, a gratuity of $25-$30 per bag for a walking caddie and $15-$20 per bag for a forecaddie is recommended depending on the level of service.

Built by Dye to host the 1991 Ryder Cup, aptly called "The War by the Shore," The Ocean Course has since held the 1997 World Cup of Golf, the inaugural 2001 UBS Warburg Cup and is scheduled to host the 2003 World Cup. With ten holes directly on the Atlantic Ocean and the other eight winding through the surrounding marshes and dunes, The Ocean Course offers a natural links-style environment reminiscent to the great courses of Scotland.

In addition, Kiawah Island Golf Resort has four other resort courses designed by the masters of modern golf course architecture -- Nicklaus, Fazio, Player and Johnston for a total of 90 golf holes.

February 11, 2003