A recent weekend trip with some old friends to Seabrook Island, S.C., approximately 30 minutes south of Charleston was very illuminating. Seabrook Island sits alongside Kiawah Island at the end of a 12 mile long two lane road. I first visited Seabook Island in the early 1980’s and over the years it has had it’s share of financial challenges and I have long considered it the poor cousin to neighboring Kiawah Island.
Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup alongside a number of other events. The five star Sanctuary (Hotel) opened a number of years ago. and enjoys critical acclaim. They have added the River & Cassique Courses (both private) on Kiawah along with a magnificent clubhouse. Kiawah is also home to a significant collection of uber beach homes. Interestingly, Kiawah has different owners for the resort and private land development elements. It results in some curious arrangements, for example, where a hotel guest must pass through a private (homeowners) security gate to reach the premier resort course (Ocean Course). I am aware of friends being either turned away at this security gate or given a tough time in passing!
On the flip side, Seabrook is far more low key. The golf courses (36 holes) are acceptable. Nothing off the charts either way, but enjoyable and well maintained. On the amenities side they are swimming against the current tide in the golf industry. They just opened a wonderful golf clubhouse and pool/beach complex. Their tennis clubhouse is under construction and the homeowners just opened a health/indoor – outdoor swimming facility/play areas/meeting rooms/library complex. The physical plant at Seabrook is very impressive by any measure. All of this has happened in the last 12 months! Additionally, approximately 5 years ago they managed to pass a change in their legal structure that mandated any new homeowners to become members of the Seabrook Island Club. This is a hugely significant arrangement that many facilities wish they had put in place on day one.
As for Kiawah, we played one of their resorts courses on Sunday and I was completely underwhelmed. The service was pleasant but grossly understaffed. They still charged full resort rates however. The course was clearly lacking in maintenance funds although the greens were in good shape, peripheral maintenance was apparently “deferred”.
Bottom line, I would gladly return to Seabrook and my impression of Kiawah Island was damaged. It is still a nice place, but no longer as untarnished as I previously viewed it. Brands are fickle and can easily be damaged without correct investment, conversely, they can be salvaged with some prudent oversight.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
