Kiawah Island Resort (Osprey Point)

Tom Fazio briefly seized the spotlight at the Kiawah Resort, designing Osprey Point — the resort’s third golf course — which opened during 1988. Pete Dye’s Ryder Cup-hosting Ocean Course would open the next year, however visitors to Kiawah Island still seek out Fazio’s contribution to its crown.

The course is perhaps the most widespread of the resort’s offerings, wandering almost from the north side of the island all the way to the south shore. Although it lacks the coastal views of the Ocean and Turtle Point courses, Osprey Point brings more water into play than the others combined. A series of ponds dot this area on the island and Fazio uses them to provide both challenge and strategy to players.

Canvasback Pond is among the most prominent, beckoning players along hole nos. 10, 17 and 18 (a lengthy par five along the water), but the most intimidating tee shot — not just at Osprey but perhaps the entire island — comes at No. 9. The long par four (460 yards) may only allow GIRs for those who hug the lake off of a Cape-style tee shot, while avoiding a centerline bunker that presses the shore.